Mahatma Gandhi remembered on his 143rd birth anniversary
CM calls people to follow the footsteps of Gandhi
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, October 02 2012: REMEMBERING Mahatma Gandhi, Father of the Nation, on his 143rd birth anniversary, National Cleanliness Day was observed in different parts of the state as done all across the country.

The main observance function was organized under the aegis of Home Department, Government of Manipur at Gandhi Memorial Hall here today.

Speaking as Chief Guest of the observance, Chief Minister O Ibobi said that the day is being observed as National Cleanliness Day as mark of respect to the Father of the Nation.

Through this observation, the ideas and beliefs of the Mahatma is being remembered and spread far and wide.

We need to take a pledge to follow the footsteps of Gandhiji so that there can be peace and harmony.

He further stated that Gandhiji was a person who always wanted cleanliness not only of the outer self but also of the inner self.

He also worked for the downtrodden and the outcast and tried to build a society where everyone is equal irrespective of their religion, caste and creed.

As such, we all need to be cleaned in the hearts so that we can live peacefully amongst ourselves.

Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh laying the floral wreath

Presided over by Health and Family Welfare Minister Phungzathang, the function was also attended by Education Minister, M Okendro, Social Welfare Minister AK Mirabai; MLA K Ranjit; Chief Secretary DS Poonia, DGP Y Joykumar and other prominent leaders.

On the other hand, showing respect to Mahatma Gandhi, who was firm believer in the dignity of manual labour and simple living, people of Chandel district head quarters came out in huge number to conduct a social service on the occasion of National Cleanliness Day today.

Both sides of the road from DC Junction to the main Junction of Panchai village were thoroughly cleaned by clearing all the dirt and grasses.

The event was organized by Japhou Bazar Authority Board, Head Quarters, Chandel Manipur to remember and follow Gandhiji's message of non-violence, love, peace and universal brotherhood for a meaningful observance of the Day.

According to a statement issued by Chairman of Japhou Bazar Authority S Sangam, people from different walks of life including Deputy Commissioner, Police Officers, Authority members of the Japhou Bazar and leaders of surrounding villages came out and work together on the road sides, thus giving a sense of peaceful co-existence among the people by way of making all-out efforts to keep the body, mind and soul clean besides keeping the surroundings clean.

Meanwhile, marking the 143rd birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, International Day of Non-Violence was also observed by Central Agricultural University (CAU) at the College of Agriculture, CAU, Imphal today under the guidance of its Vice Chancellor SN Puri.

The observance was marked by offering of floral tributes to the photo of Mahatma Gandhi and observing 1 minute silence to pay respect to the Father of the Nation.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof N Iboton informed that, the Day has been observed in the campus of CAU, Imphal with the sole motive of bringing peace and solidarity in the state.

As violence has engulfed the country in general and the North Eastern States in particular, the observance has become very important for the people of North East.

Quoting the message of Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, the Vice-Chairperson of Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti (GSDS), regarding observance of 2nd October, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, as International Day of Non-Violence by the UN, Prof N Iboton exhorted, "Let us visualize a cosmic thread following from the wheel of eternity.

This will be a flow of harmony that can orbit the earth in 24 hours, starting at midday sharp of 2nd October from Japan, and after 1 minute of silence and introspection by the humanity, it moves westwards to encircle the whole world in 24 hours.

This can be a celebration of our consciousness for homage to non-violence in today's context" .

The function was attended by the students, teaching and non-teaching staffs of CAU.

The Day was also observed under the aegis of Organising Committee of International Day of Non-Violence at Manipur Press Club with Padmashree RK Jhalajit; N Binoy, President of Senior Citizen for Society as Chief Guest and President respectively.

Prof L Sadananda and Prof Ksh Bimola were also present as Guests of Honour.

A symposium on the topic "Non-Violence" was with Prof L Sadananda as moderator to mark the occasion.