Nagrota : National Conference Provincial President Mr Devender Singh Rana on Tuesday paid glowing tributes to the Father of Nation, saying people should take a pledge to realize the dream of Mahatma Gandhi by making the nation a better place to live in. “Gandhiji believed in nonviolence, relevance of which is more now than ever before when the forces inimical to peace, amity and tranquility are taking centre stage and posing serious threat to civility”, Mr Rana said while paying tributes to the Bapu at a series of functions held in observance of Gandhi Jayanti, adding that there is immense need to understand and implement Gandhian philosophy of truth and non-violence. This is imperative in the present day world in general and in our country in particular, which is braving many challenges, he added.
The Provincial President, while addressing a seminar on ‘Religious brotherhood-a need of the hour, organised by an NGO Global Peace Organisation (G-PEACE) at Abhinav Theatre here, said Mahatma Gandhi was a strong believer of communal amity and worked all his life in strengthening the spirit of inclusiveness. “The best tribute to Bapu therefore would be to sustain this spirit”, he said, adding that Jammu and Kashmir is known for preserving the glorious traditions of secularism. In this context, he referred to the great role of Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah in promoting pluralistic ethos of inclusiveness during most testing times of the history.
Mr Rana referred to the peace and tranquility maintained during the horrendous days of partition when the entire subcontinent was engulfed by communal frenzy but Jammu and Kashmir stood tall in maintaining the brotherhood. This had inspired Father of the Nation greatly which prompted him say that a ray of hope was emanating from Jammu and Kashmir.
Dwelling upon various facets of the life of Mahatma Gandhi, Mr Rana said he was embodiment of peace and sacrifice. He said that such Yugpurush take birth in several centuries and India is blessed to have been abode of the Mahatma. He quoted Albert Einstein having said about Mahatma Gandhi, that generations to come will scarcely believe that such a man as this ever in flesh and blood walked upon this Earth”.
The Provincial President exhorted the people to carry forward the great mission of Mahatma Gandhi and fight against all such forces which were posing threat to the communal fabric of the country and the State. “Let us vow to preserve our time tested amity and brotherhood”, he added.
The Chairman of the organisation, Sheikh Altaf Hussain also addressed the seminar.
Mr Rana also paid tribute to the Mahatma Gandhi at a well-attended function at Greenland Public School at Marh in Nagrota. He also paid homage to Father of the Nation at a function organised by village Committee Kore Jagir in Panchayat Nadore.
Earlier, in the morning, the Provincial President showered flowers at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi at heritage Mubarak Mandi here. He also took pledge at a function organised by the Gandhi Global Family to work for the accomplishment of the Mahatma’s mission of strengthening the bonds of unity, amity and tranquility.
In his tribute, former minister and senior leader Mr Abdul Gani Malik highlighted the philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi and said that the best homage to him would be to strive for social justice, equality and strengthening the bonds of communal harmony. These are important for harmonious growth of the society, he maintained.
