Tribute paid to Mahatma Gandhi, Lal Bahadur Shastri on birth anniversary

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 2: Rich tribute were paid to Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi and Former Prime Minister of India Lal Bahadur Shastri on their birth anniversaries.
JKPCC President Vikar Rasool Wani and JKPCC Working President Raman Bhalla in an impressive function held today at Satwari Chowk paid rich tributes to the great leader and Father of Nation Mahatma Gandhi. The programme was organized by Congress Sewa Dal J&K Chairman Vijay Sharma Babbi. A large number of party workers assembled at Satwari Chowk and garlanded the statue of Mahatma Gandhi and paid floral tributes to Father of Nation Mahatma Gandhi and also former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri. Similar functions organized at all the district Headquarters of J&K. Prominent among those who addressed and paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri included Yogesh Sawhney, Manmohan Singh, Kanta Bhan, Indu Pawar, Hari Singh Chib, Uday Bhanu Chib, Pranav Shagotra, Pawan Raina, etc.
The Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) paid floral tribute to Father of the Nation on his birth anniversary. JKPCC also remembered Former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri on his birth anniversary. Senior leaders and workers of J&K Pradesh Congress in a meeting of presided over Mohd Anwar Bhat paid floral tributes to father of Nation on his Jayanti, recalling his sacrifices and selfless services to the Nation. Senior Congress Leaders Ghulam Nabi Monga, Surinder Singh Channi and Shameema Iqbal also spoke on the occasion.
Former Member-Parliament (Rajya Sabha) and Ex State President (BJP) Jammu and Kashmir Shamsher Singh Manhas paid floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bhadur Shastri on their birth anniversary at Chinore in Jammu North Assembly Constituency. Manhas said that the UT BJP organised a 15-day Sewa Pakhwada from September 15 to mark the birthday celebration of Prime Minister Narendra Modi till October 2 and underlined it with activities which has reiterated the party’s commitment to social service.
J&K BJP remembered and paid warm tributes to Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri on their birth Anniversary at District, Mandal and Ward levels across Jammu and Kashmir under ‘Sewa Pakhwada’. BJP President Ravinder Raina accompanied by BJP General Secretary (Org.) Ashok Kaul, General Secretary Sunil Sharma, Altaf Thakur and other leaders paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri at Baramullah. Former BJP President Sat Sharma, Munish Khajuria, Ayodhya Gupta, Dr. Pardeep Mahotra, Dr. Parneesh Mahajan, Naresh Singh Jasrotia, Sanjay Baru, Neelam Nargotra, Sat Paul Karlupia, Suchha Singh, Keshav Chopra, Rajesh Gupta, Karan Sharma, Jaideep Singh Samyal and other party leaders paid tributes to the Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri at Sheila Resorts, Talab Tillo Jammu.
Gandhi Bhawan Committee celebrated birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi in which Member of Parliament Lok Sabha Jammu Poonch Jugal Kishore Sharma was the chief guest. Member of Parliament Jugal Kishore Sharma started the function with lightning of lamps and by paying tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bhahadur Shastri. President Gandhi Bhawan Committee Gautam Mengi presided over the function. Suresh Sharma Retd Session Judge Chairman Gandhi Sewa Sadan, Rajinder Kakkad General Secretary Gandhi Bhawan Committee, Bhuvneshwar Gupta Joint Secretary, Senior BJP leader Yudhvir Sethi and Parveen Kerni, Rajesh Gupta President VHP, Dev Raj Sharma, Rajni Sharma, Tripta Sharma, Raman Suri, Jagdish, Vishu Dogra Principal DBN and others prominent citizens were also present at the occasion.
Senior BJP leader and former Deputy Chief Minister, Kavinder Gupta appealed to the people to adopt Swadeshi products as far as possible to make the country self-reliant and boost up the local economy. The BJP stalwart leader was speaking at separate functions held to celebrate birth anniversaries of Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri. Member Parliament Jugal Kishore Sharma, Sunil Sethi, Vinay Gupta District President, Pawan Singh, Bharat Bhushan Mandal President and Narinder Gupta Koki also accompanied the former Deputy Chief Minister. In a function held here at Satwari in connection with Gandhi Jayanti celebrations, Kavinder paid rich tributes to the Father of the Nation while asking people to adopt the Swadeshi Products to fortify the local economy which in turn will help the country to become self-reliant and a strong economy.
While paying glowing tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and Former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri at Khajuria Palace, Jaganoo, Ranbir Singh Pathania, Former MLA and BJP Spokesperson said that Gandhi ji’s teachings are most relevant in today’s era where conflict, hatred and technology explosion has posed new threats to the mankind. The programme was organized and addressed by Mandal President Rakesh Sharma, Sarpanch Sehdev Singh, Rama Murti, Susheel Raina, Chain Singh and others.
Former MLC and senior Congress Leader Ravinder Sharma has asked party workers to propagate the philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi, which is under severe attack in the country today by the communal and divisive forces. Addressing a gathering of party workers at Sunderbani and Nowshera today, Mr Sharma said that the country is facing a severe threat from the forces spreading hate and disharmony amongst the people of different faiths and religions which a direct challenge to basic philosophy of father of nation Mahatma Gandhi, who preached non violence and harmonious co-existence keeping in view pluralistic population in our country.
Senior leader Democratic Azad Party Thakur Balwan Singh paid rich tributes to Father of Nation Mahatma Gandhi and former Prime Minister of India Lal Bahadur Shastri on their birth anniversaries. Paying his floral tributes, Singh said that the philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi is relevant for all times to come and even more relevant today when an atmosphere of conflicts and violence prevails in different parts of the world. Singh also remembered the contributions of Lal Bhadur Shastri and paid rich tributes to him for his outstanding role in the freedom struggle and later in different capacities, especially as Prime Minister.
Senior DAP leader Ashok Bhagat paid rich tributes to Father of Nation Mahatma Gandhi and former Prime Minister of India Lal Bahadur Shastri on their birth anniversaries. Paying his tributes, Bhagat said that Gandhi’s philosophy holds the key to maintain peace and harmony in the world. Bhagat said that the entire world draws lessons from the life and philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi and Shastri.
Maheshwar Singh Manhas Senior leader and founder member of Democratic Azad Party paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi on his birth anniversary at Janipur in Jammu North Constituency. The programme was organized by Pawan Kumar (Raju Mahajan)–one of the Founder Member of the Democratic Azad Party.
To pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi and former Prime Minister of India Lal Bahadur Shastri on their birth anniversary, the founder members of Democratic Azad Party organized a function at Dayalachak. Several activists under the leadership of Former MLC Subash Gupta paid rich tributes to the duo leaders of the nation by offering flowers to their portraits.
In order to pay tribute to Father of Nation Mahatma Gandhi on his birth anniversary Aam Aadmi Party’s Jammu and Kashmir unit organised a program in Jammu which was headed by party’s senior leader and Jammu province Incharge of Women Wing, Namrata Sharma alongwith senior leader Deep Singh. A large number of party volunteers and leaders took part in this programme during which floral tributes were paid to Mahatma Gandhi and he was remembered for his role during freedom struggle and nation building. AAP’s senior leader Deep Singh also addressed the event.
The University of Jammu in collaboration with Fist fighter Club organised the 2nd edition of the half marathon to commemorate 153rd Gandhi Jayanti. Prof Umesh Rai, the chief guest on the occasion flagged off the marathon rally. To cherish and rejuvenate ideals propounded by Mahatma Gandhi, one of which was emphasis on cleanliness, Prof Umesh Rai launched Swachta Abhiyan on the campus. Prof Prakash Anathal, Dean Students Welfare, University of Jammu, Former Minister RS Chib and SSP Randhir Singh were special guests on the occasion. The Vice-Chancellor in presence of dignitaries also distributed the medals and trophies to the winner and the runner-up of the marathon.
In continuation to celebration of ‘Azadi ka Amrut Mahotsav’, NSS, SKUAST-J, under the guidance of Vice Chancellor SKUAST-Jammu Prof JP Sharma and Dean Student Welfare Prof Rajesh Katoch today paid floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his birth anniversary. The programme started with offering of floral tribute to Father of Nation. The programme ended with a Swachhta Rally in the campus in which NSS volunteers were called upon to make aware the society about cleanliness and its importance.
The Hindi Cell and the Board of Cultural Activities of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University organized several events to celebrate the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri. On this occasion, a video depicting the life and contributions of these great personalities was shown. It was followed by a drawing competition and quiz competition to create awareness about the vision and mission of Gandhi Ji and Shastri Ji. Rudransh and Chetna, students of DPS Katra, presented an image of “2047’s India of Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri” in their speeches.
The NSS Unit of Government College of Education Jammu celebrated Gandhi Jayanti by conducting cleanliness drive in different areas under Swachh Bharat 2.0 campaign. Principal of the College Prof Aketa Gupta and NSS Programme Officer Dr Shubhra Jamwal also participated in the drive. While highlighting the importance of the day, Principal urged the NSS volunteers and students to follow Gandhi Ji’s  path of truth and non-violence and strengthen Gandhian Philosophy.
In continuation to series of activities pertaining to Clean India 2.0 campaign, GDC Ramnagar celebrated the birth anniversary of Father of Nation Mahatma Gandhi. On this occasion, Principal Dr. Udhay Bhanu, staff and students paid rich floral tributes to the man who was the great follower of truth and non-violence.
GDC Dudu Basantgarh in line with Gandhi Jayanti celebrations, organized symposium on the theme “Truth and non-violence is the Key of Dharma” as well as displayed a documentary on the life and works of Gandhi Ji to pay tributes to the greatest man of all times. Along with the staff, the students were present during the program. On the basis of overall clarity and content of the participants, Sonali Devi of Sem-1st stood first whereas Rimpy Devi of Sem-1st and Bhushra Akhter of Sem-2nd clinched 2nd and 3rd position, respectively.  Principal of the college Dr Bhavnaish Chand asked the students to follow the path of truth and non-violence.
To commemorate the relevance of Gandhian thoughts and vision on the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, a series of activities were organised by Gandhi Jayanti Celebration Committee in collaboration with NSS (Unit 1) and 2 J&K Girls Bn NCC of Padma Shri Padma Sachdev Government PG College for Women Gandhi Nagar Jammu. The celebrations started with cleanliness drive followed by slogan writing competition, poster-making competition, quiz competition, symposium, plantation drive, awareness rally, essay writing, pledge on non-violence and concluded with floral tribute to the Father of Nation. Prof Sujata Slathia, Officiating Principal of the College was also present on the occasion.
NSS Unit ‘Sewak’, GDC Neeli Nallah Udhampur organised three day celebrations to commemorate the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti. The event was held under the guidance of Principal of the College, Prof Hans Raj. Prof Hans Raj, Principal of the College paid floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi along with faculty members.
Ramisht College of Education Basohli organised a symposium to celebrate Gandhi Jayanti in the MP Hall of the college. The students along with faculty members took part in the event. Dr Saifullah Khan Principal of the college shared his views about the ideas of Mahatma Gandhi.
Gandhi Jayanti was celebrated with large participation by the members of J&K Intellectual Civil Society New Delhi led by their Chairman SS Sodhi who paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri, amidst rendering of favourite ‘Gandhi’ bhajans on the occasion. Addressing the gathering, Chairman Sodhi recalled that Gandhi Ji’s timeless teachings of Truth and Non-Violence had the power to shake the world out of its slumber and now it is time for us especially the youth to translate the vision and dreams of Mahatma Gandhi into reality for progressive Bharat.
To commemorate birth anniversaries of Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) organized a cleanliness drive at Bahu Fort Jammu. BJP leader Rajeev Charak, Kuldeep Raj Gupta Chairman Mohallah Welfare Committee, Hardesh Khokhar, Satpal Sharma, Ashok Manhas, Narendra Singh Charak and many others were present on the occasion.
On the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, a cleanliness drive was organised at Sub District Hospital Mendhar and all peripheral institutions of Health Block Mendhar under the supervision of Block Medical Officer Mendhar Dr Parvaiz Ahmed Khan.
Dulhasti Power Station celebrated birth anniversary of Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi and organized a Plog Run. On this occasion, MK Kashyap, Group General Manager (In-charge), Dulhasti Power Station paid floral tributes to the Mahatma Gandhi and lead the Plog run with the Officers and employees of the Power Station. Dr. Nisha Sharma, General Manager (Medical Services), Shri Mithilesh Prasad Dinkar, General Manager (Electrical), Shri S.K Mishra, General Manager (Electrical), Shri Sharad Jaikar, General Manager (Civil), Dr. Raghawendra Pratap Singh Group Dy. General Manager (HR) and all senior officials also paid floral tributes to the Father of the Nation.
The month-long Gandhi Mahotsav to mark the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi concluded at Teacher Bhawan with the arrival of Shanti Yatra which was received by Director School Education Jammu Dr. Ravi Shankar Sharma. The yatra was flagged off by Rajiv Rai Bhatnagar, Advisor to Lt Governor. The Shanti Yatra covered a distance of more than 1000 kilometers over 10 districts of Jammu Division taking a halt at 502 different Government Schools and inspired many on their way back to Teacher Bhavan. The Directorate of School Education Jammu organized Divisional Level Competitions in Painting, Essay Writing, Slogan, Writing, Speech/Declamation and Poem Recitation on the theme of truth, peace, non-violence, swachhata and philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi on the occasion of Gandhi Mahotsav. Fifteen winners from Jammu Division further participated in the UT level competition at Srinagar on September 30, 2022. Nirbhika from GHS Nonial Jammu got the first position in the Essay writing competition in UT Level competition, Prachi from GHSS Kerian (Kathua) got the first position in the Slogan writing competition, Damanpreet from GGHS Shastri Nagar Jammu got the second position in the Painting competition, Sahil Kumar from GHSS Muthi, Jammu got the second position in Seminar competition, Sonia Sharma from GGHSS Doda got the third position in the Poem recitation competition, Shipriya Chopra from HSS Chak Jammu got the third position in Slogan Writing Competition. The grand UT level concluding function on Gandhi Mahotsav was held at SKICC, Srinagar which was streamed live at Teacher Bhawan Jammu and in various schools of Jammu Division.
On the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, a program followed by a meeting was organized by the Social Organization Jiyo Aur Jeene Do, in which President Tariq Shah and members paid floral tribute to the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi and the great son of India Shastri ji on their birth anniversary.
Bicycle For Change Club Kathua celebrated Gandhi Jayanti. More than 170 cyclists including young children took part in the cycling rally with a motive to create awareness among public against hazards of using single use plastic. The cycle rally is supported by JK Private School Association Kathua Unit and was flagged off by ACR Kathua Sandeep Seinotra. Sunil Sharma, President BFCC and Amit Khajuria emphasised on eradicating the single use plastic from this society. Maninder Paul Singh, Media Secretary, BFCC, Sat Paul Sharma President JK Private School Association Kathua, Er Naresh General Secretary, Rahul Sharma, Narender Singh and many others participated in the event.
Bhartiya Lok Sangeet Kala Sansthan (BLSKS) celebrated birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri in close coordination with Sangam Tru Art Production and National Computer Institute by presenting musical play “Sabarmati Ka Sant” at Auditorium, Durga Bhawan Janipur, Jammu. The play was inaugurated by the chief guest VK Magotra, Former Regional Director, Directorate of Field Publicity, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India in presence of guest of honour Dr Tara Singh Charak, Former Deputy Director, Health Department J&K Government. RP Amla, assisted the event. Earlier welcome address was presented by Dr ML Dogra, Chairman BLSKS.
National Council for Development of Urdu Language, Ministry of Education, Government of India organized a programme to pay tributes to Mahatma Gandhi on his birth anniversary. On the occasion, Director National Council for Development of Urdu Language Prof Skeikh Aqeel, Senior Advocate Aqeel Ahmed, Anil Nauria, Raju Chandel, Prof Ibne Kanwal, Prof Shahzaz Anjum, Kamal Singh, Shama Kausar Yazdani and many others expressed their views on the occasion.
Remembering the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi on his birth anniversary, Standing Conference of Public Enterprises (SCOPE) paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at SCOPE Convention Centre New Delhi. Atul Sobti Director General SCOPE garlanded the statue of Mahatma Gandhi on the occasion.
Government Higher Secondary School Kandi, Rajouri organized a symposium on the topic “Relevance of Gandhian Philosophy in Present Era” to celebrate the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. The programme was inaugurated by Principal Roop Lal. Nine students of the school spoke on the topic and threw light on the importance of teachings of Gandhiji.
Er Rishi Kaul Kilam, prominent social and political activist along with other activists paid tributes and homage to the father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi. Meanwhile, Mashqur Ahmad Bhat said that Gandhi ji’s ideas and teachings are relevant even today and we must follow his teachings to live a peaceful life. Neha Samsal, Sunaal Kakkar and many others were present on the occasion.
Cambridge Public School Paloura celebrated Gandhi Jayanti with patriotic fervor. On the occasion, the students enthralled the audience with colourful performances. Principal of the institution Baljit Singh Manhas in his speech threw light on the importance of the day.
To commemorate birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, an essay reciting competition was organized in the premises of NILT Higher Secondary School Udhampur under the patronage of Principal Ajay Gupta.
In connection with Gandhi Jayanti, Regional Office of National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), a fully owned company of Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways (MoRTH), is observing Swachhta Campaign from today under the chairmanship of Executive Director (Projects), Col Sandeep Sudhera (Retd). On the occasion, staff of the Regional Office Jammu cleaned the approach road of the office premises located in Channi Himmat, Jammu and took part to keep their environment clean and surroundings hygienic.