The 156th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and the 121st birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri were jointly celebrated at Gandhi Bhavan, Madikeri. The event was organised by the District Administration in association with the Zilla Panchayat, Department of Information and Public Relations, Kannada and Culture, School and College Education Departments, Madikeri City Municipal Council, Kannada Sahitya Parishad, Sarvodaya Samiti, Scouts and Guides, and Janapada Parishad.
Speaking on the occasion, Additional Deputy Commissioner R. Aishwarya said Mahatma Gandhi enlightened the world with his principles of truth and non-violence, while Lal Bahadur Shastri followed his ideals with simplicity and devotion to the nation. She added that both leaders were role models of integrity and moral leadership.
Prof. K.C. Dayanand of Government First Grade College, Virajpet, recalled Gandhiji’s contributions to truth, non-violence, and rural self-reliance.
He also highlighted Shastriji’s message of Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan.
Mandrira Mohandas, Taluk President of the Guarantee Scheme Implementation Committee, urged everyone to imbibe the teachings of the two leaders. Baby Mathew, Chief Commissioner of Scouts and Guides, requested speedy completion of the Gandhi Memorial Park project.
Madikeri Municipal Council President P. Kalavathi and Kannada Sahitya Parishad District President Keshava Kamath described Gandhi and Shastri as the pride of the nation.
Other dignitaries present included Assistant Commissioner Nitin Chakki, Sarvodaya Samiti President Ambekallu Kushalappa, Municipal Commissioner Ramesh, and Pre-University Education Deputy Director Chidananda.
Prizes were distributed to winners of the essay competitions held for high school, PU, and degree/postgraduate students. Information Officer Chinnaswamy welcomed the gathering, Sarvodaya Samiti General Secretary Munir Ahmed conducted the proceedings, and Assistant Director of Kannada and Culture Department Kumar proposed the vote of thanks.
