Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Oct 2: District Rajiv Gandhi Panchayati Raj Sangathan (RGPRS) organised ‘Gandhi 150’ as part of Gandhi Jayanti celebrations at Congress Bhavan, Brahmagiri here on Tuesday, October 2.
P C Vishnunath, the All India Congress Committee secretary addressing the people on the occasion said, “The entire world is celebrating Gandhi Jayanti today. His principles, values are relevant even today. Gandhian values are relevant for all fields like health, industry, education and others. There is a need to protect secular values of India. The idea of India (Gandhiji’s India) is facing threat today.”
“There are some leaders claiming to rewrite Indian Constitution. That work has already started. Now the Constitution is under threat. Gandhiji’s sacrifices were not for his personal interest. It was for making India free. We need to protect his principles. The RGPRS unit is working on this purpose,” he said.
Vishnunathan appreciated the performance of RGPRS Udupi unit. “Karnataka is a role model for this act and Kerala is also very active,” he added.
Dr Jayamala, Udupi district-in-charge minister said, “It is a duty of all those commemorating Bapu and paying tribute to him, to uphold his values. Mahatma means the one who leaves everything for the good cause or for welfare of others. Gandhiji sacrificed not for his life or wife or children. He left everything for the sake of this country. He upheld the status of women. Gandhiji’s name will be there forever till India exists and till then people will celebrate Gandhi Jayanti.”
Jayamala further said, “Gandhiji gave a call for non-violence. He called and loved everyone as his brothers and sisters. He upheld the brotherhood and spread human values, love and peace messages. One should not forget his achievements.”
Dr Jayamala said, “Some leaders talk behind our backs. Making India a Congress-free country is impossible. It is difficult to pluck Congress from India as the roots have gone deep.”
“Everyone should think of pre and post-independence era and industrial policy. One should review the current situation. Congress has its own identity. Let us work united,” she added.
Pramod Madhwaraj, former MLA, Rakesh Malli, president, INTUC, Sandeep, secretary, AICC, Janardhan Thonse, district president Congress Udupi, G K Bava, Gopal Bhandari, former MLA Karkala, Naveen D’souza, district coordinator Roshni Oliver and AICC member Amrith Shenoy, Veronica Cornelio, Sunitha Shetty and others were present.