Srinagar, Oct 02: Political leaders in Jammu and Kashmir on Monday paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi on his 154th birth anniversary – Gandhi Jayanti – hailing his contribution to the nation’s freedom movement and his ideals of truth and non-violence.
Jammu and Kashmir National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah paid tributes to the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi on his 154th birth anniversary at the party’s provincial headquarters Sher-e-Kashmir Bhawan, Jammu.
In his address to the party functionaries, Dr Farooq said, “The day is not only commemorated as the birth anniversary of Gandhi Ji but also his timeless values of nonviolence, social justice and communal harmony.”
“It was he who saw the ray of hope in the J&K when the rest of the country had been taken over by the communal frenzy. We the people of J&K also saw the paradise of our ideas in the efforts of Gandhi. It was in his vision of a free India that we saw the dream of Naya Kashmir come true. It was his ideology that drove J&K towards India, the need of the hour calls for strengthening those values,” Dr Farooq said.
Speaking on Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah on Monday said that it is unfortunate that we go opposite to the path shown by Mahatma Gandhi.
“If we follow the principles taught by Gandhiji, this country will only become better. At times it feels that we remember Gandhiji only when we visit abroad or when foreign leaders visit our country and visit Rajghat. But on the rest of the days, we not only forget but we go opposite to the path shown by Gandhi ji,” Abdullah told reporters in Jammu and Kashmir’s Srinagar.
Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) commemorated the 154th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi at the Srinagar Party Office on Monday. Congress leaders and workers, led by Former JKPCC President Peerzada Mohd Sayeed, paid tributes to the Father of the Nation in recognition of his outstanding contributions and sacrifices to India’s freedom struggle. The JKPCC also observed the 119th birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, who is remembered for his selfless service to the nation, a party statement issued here said.
Sayeed highlighted the great contributions and sacrifices made by Mahatma Gandhi to the Indian freedom movement. The world has appreciated the Gandhian philosophy of non-violence and peace, which continues to inspire generations, he said. Former Congress Legislator Ghulam Nabi Monga emphasized the importance of respecting humanity and strengthening the diversity and communal harmony of the secular nation to safeguard its freedom, guaranteeing the safety and security of every citizen, irrespective of religion or colour.
Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) chairman Ghulam Nabi Azad on Monday said that in present times the ideals of nonviolence, truth, unity and justice are some of the founding principles that his party believes in.
“These principals are the bedrock of our party’s ideology & my vision for Jammu & Kashmir. Let us continue on our journey hand in hand towards a more equitable & progressive future,” he told at the celebration function of Gandhi Jayanti in DPAP office, Srinagar.
On the occasion, the Gandhi Global Foundation also felicitated Azad and admired his works and contributions in promoting the Gandhian ideology throughout his life, a DPAP statement issued here said.
Azad said that one can easily understand why Gandhi devoted his life to such principles given the present situation where humanity is overridden by materialistic interests. “He was not hungry for power but aiming to build harmony, unity and brotherhood based on justice and equality,” he added.
He strongly recommended his party workers to read the biography of Gandhi and understand how the superior motives for humanity can be achieved peacefully and the system of equality and justice can be established.
Apni Party president Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari in his tributes to Mahatma Gandhi said, “This day not only marks the birthday of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, but also celebrates his legacy and his profound teachings of nonviolence.”
He added, “Mahatma Gandhi was one of the greatest political leaders that the world has produced in the history of mankind. He was the pioneer of the philosophical approach of non-violence, who led a nationwide resistance movement against tyranny, injustice, foreign occupation, and for the fundamental rights of the people, building religious and ethnic harmony through nonviolent means.”
“Gandhi Ji’s teachings and principles are still a beacon of light for the entire nation to live a peaceful and harmonious life,” Bukhari added.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Jammu paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi and former prime minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, on their birth anniversaries.
“Mahatma Gandhi’s message of non-violence, truth, and social justice is as significant today as it was in his time,” the AAP leaders said in a statement. They urged everyone to uphold these values and work accordingly.
The leaders also hailed Lal Bahadur Shastri for his commitment to India’s progress and leadership during challenging times. His iconic call for “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan” resonates even today, they said.
