Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 18: The 98th birth anniversary of Nelson Mandela-the Nobel Peace Prize Winner and the first Black President of South Africa, was celebrated with enthusiasm.
Joining in the global festivities to celebrate Nelson Mandela’s 98th birthday, Gandhi Global Family in collaboration with the Gandhi Peace Foundation Jammu under the aegis of UNIC New Delhi marked Nelson Mandela International Day 2016 at Doon International School, here, wherein representatives of civil societies, NGOs prominent citizens, young Gandhian, teachers and students paid rich tribute to Mandela.
On the occasion, Padamshree SP Varma, Vice President, Gandhi Global Family was keynote speaker, who while speaking emphasized that young generation must learn from the altruistic life of Nelson Mandela, who devoted his whole life to the struggle for human rights and social justice.
“He also committed himself to the service of his people and humanity, and he did so at great personal sacrifice”, Varma stated.
Dr Seema Rohmetra, Coordinator, Gandhi Peace Foundation Jammu in her message highlighted Mandela as an apostle of peace and non-violence. “His life is an inspiration for all who are oppressed and deprived, and to all who are opposed to oppression and deprivation”, she added.
Ghulam Nabi Tantray Chairman, Doon International praised the role of Madiba in sailing South Africa out of apartheid.
Principal of the school, Vikash Kaur read the message of United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-Moon commemorating Mandela Day.
Earlier, Monika Gajiwala presented the welcome address, whereas in the end, vote of thanks was presented by Shagun Manchanda.
Meanwhile, KC Public School under the aegis of Gandhi-King Literary Society of Gandhi Peace Foundation Jammu Chapter in collaboration with Gandhi Global Family J&K celebrated the birth anniversary of Nelson Mandela.
A special assembly was conducted to pay reverence to Mandela and Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, who stood for the humanitarian cause of justice and peace.
Principal Amarendra Kumar Mishra in his inspiring speech told the students that each individual has the ability and the responsibility to change the world for the better and if each one of us pay heed the call to do good every day, we would be living Nelson Mandela’s legacy and helping to build a better world.
A painting competition was also organised on the theme ‘Give Peace a Chance’. It created awareness among students that in a world, torn with conflicts and violence, peace has to be integrated in every walk of life.
The competition was organised by Art Teacher Preetika Sharma.
The winners of the competition were Paras Tikoo, Dushyant Singh, Ananya Gupta, Paras Negi, Divya Sumudi, Krish Gupta, Aryan Narula and Shivam Thakur.
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