Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 2: Gandhi Peace Foundation Coordinators, Dr Seema Rohmetra ( coordinator Jammu chapter) and Dr Monica Narang ( core member GPF) attended two-day conference on ‘Exploring an Unknown Gandhi’, organized by KC College Mumbai in collaboration with Sevagram Collective .
The conference was organized to celebrate the sesquicentennial birth anniversary of Gandhi, and wife Kasturba.
Speaking during the inaugural session, Dr Hemlata Bagla, I/C Principal, KC College, said, “The conference theme is extremely meaningful in the today’s time. It not only aims at becoming a vehicle to carry forward the legacy of Gandhian philosophy but also analyses the emerging challenges of the 21st century before our nation and the world at large.”
The chief guest of the occasion was Chandrashekhar Dharmadhikari, former Chief Justice, Bombay High Court, who has also been a freedom fighter. Sharing his experiences of several interactions with Mahatma Gandhi, Dharmadhikari emphasized on the relevance of ‘Prathistha’ of manual labour in contemporary times. He further asserted that understanding Mahatma Gandhi and his character is more important than simply studying about him.
Faisal Khan, national convener, Khudai Khidmatgar – India, delivered the keynote address wherein he said, “Anybody who feels pain at the sight of inequality and injustice and seeks change is a true ‘Gandhivaadi’. He added that moral education is in fact one of the most important subjects of education that keeps humanity intact but is often neglected.
A panel discussion on Kasturba Gandhi was also held wherein panelists, Rohini Hattangady – a veteran actress known for her portrayal as Kasturba in the film Gandhi(1982), Dr Ramdas Bhatkal – a Marathi literati and playwright and Nisha Shiurkar, Advocate, presented their views on ‘Kasturba being instrumental in making Gandhi as we know him today’. The discussion was moderated by Ravindra RP.
The highlight of the conference was an interesting demonstration on ‘Living the Gandhian Way’ by Dr H K S Swami. He exhibited nearly 70 models through which he emphasized on Gandhi’s vision of ‘Swadeshi’. He also promoted the use of indigenous Khadi products supporting local artisans as a symbol of self-reliance.
Meanwhile, an interactive session comprising four Gandhian activists, namely, Ramesh Ojha, Ravindra RP, Vijay Tambe, and Pradeep Khelurkar who shed light on the ‘Myths About Gandhi’.
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