Seminar re-visits Gandhi's inclusive approach to humanity
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, February 15 2020: In commemoration of the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, Ahimsa Vishwa Bharti organised a National seminar on 'Mahat-ma Gandhi's inclusive approach to humanity' today at Raj Bhawan, Imphal.

Governor Dr Najma Heptulla and Chief Minister N Biren Singh graced the inaugural session of the seminar as chief guest and president respectively.

Founder of the Ahimsa Vishwa Bharti, Acharya Lokesh Muni was also on the dais.

Seminar re-visits Gandhi's inclusive approach to humanity

In her speech, Dr Najma Heptulla stated that Mahatma Gandhi is recognized as the Father of this great nation.

He was an exceptional leader and human being.

He has influenced and inspired both individuals and world leaders in fight against inequality and oppression, and has provided an invaluable contri- bution to peaceful freedom struggles across the world.

Mahatma Gandhi's struggle was first and foremost for the freedom and independence of the people of India.

But his message was also one of universal relevance.

His voice for humanity, equality, justice and non-violence gained global recognition, Dr Najma said.

In 2007, Mahatma Gandhi's birthday, the 2nd of October, was declared by the United Nations as the International Day of Non Violence, and is today celebrated all over the globe.

Despite grand thoughts, his was a life of austerity, tolerance, courage and struggle.

A person who stood up for what he believed in and who lived as he preached.

He spent a total of approximately five years in prison and was imprisoned six times in South Africa and seven times in India.

All were for freedom, human rights and justice, asserted the Governor.

She said that Gandhi's vision for an inclusive, secu- lar India continues to be challenged, despite India's fundamentally multi-religious fabric.

In this time of uncertainty and disruption, the celebration of Gandhi's 150th birth anniversary is a reminder of the continued relevance of his teachings and of their importance all over the world.

Chief Minister N Biren said that there are so many strong weapons in today's world.

A single press on a switch can destroy the world four or five times.

However, Mahatma Gandhi's ideology for peace and Ahimsa saves the world.

"Whenever ahimsa is there, world will be there and we will remember Gandhiji", Biren said.

Mahatma Gandhi is a beacon of peace and apostle of non-violence.

He is an Indian but the whole world admires his principles and ideology.

His two weapons - satya (truth) and ahimsa (non-violence) paved the way for India's independence from the mighty British.

Moreover, his style of simple living, honesty, vehement opposition against untouchability, racial discrimination etc can be guiding light for this complex generation and have relevance to the contemporary world.

Biren appealed all to remember Gandhiji's service for mankind on his 150th birth anniversary.

In his speech, Acharya Dr Lokesh told that unity in diversity is the fundamental feature of Indian culture.

"If our social and family values are not secured, then India's future will be in danger.

Adopt a culture of connecting, not dividing.

Support the truth and recognize it.

For this, we have to adopt Gandhiji's ideas.

The unity in diversity of our country will have to be strengthened by following the principals of the Mahatma", Dr Lokesh said.

As part of today's national seminar, Ahimsa Vishwa Bharti Magazine 'Aahwaan' was released.

It is said that Ahimsa Vishwa Bharti is organising peace and harmony conclave in different States of the country to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and would organize 25 National seminars in almost all provinces of the country and the last seminar will be held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, USA.