Hon’ble Governor of West Bengal, H.E. Shri Keshari Nath Tripathi inaugurated the “Gandhi Gallery – Mahatma Gandhi Interpretation Centre” at the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata on July 25, 2019 at a special function organized at the Kolkata Airport to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. Shri Sankar Kumar Sanyal, Member, Executive Committee GSDS and President Harijan Sevak Sangh; Shri Kaushik Bhattacharya, Airport Director, Kolkata Airport; Shri Dipanker Shri Gyan, Director, Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti; Smt. Geeta Shukla, Research Officer GSDS and others were present at the inaugural ceremony. Mr. Manish from Bhuma Infotech was also present on the occasion.
After the inauguration, the hon’ble Governor also was given a guided tour of the exhibition at the Gandhi Gallery and a journey into the life of Mahatma Gandhi through digital intervention at the kiosk.
The “Gandhi Gallery – Mahatma Gandhi Interpretation Centre” has been established the GSDS in collaboration with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi by conscientising the local masses of Mahatma Gandhi's association with their respective region. This is a permanent gallery on the life, ideas, philosophy and activities of the Mahatma.
The walk through “Gandhi Gallery” has been set up at the arrival lounge of the Kolkata Airport, where Mahatma Gandhi's association with West Bengal has... Read More

The Samiti in association with Institute of Social Studies Trust (ISST) organised a one-day workshop on “Gender Sensitization and Menstrual Health” on July 26, 2019 at Kalyanpuri Police Station.
The aim of workshop was to get the attention of children towards encouraging them to think about changes in the thinking of people about ‘Gender Sensitization’ and ‘Menstrual Health & Hygiene’. Adolescent girls, domestic workers, house wives and others from the local community took part in the workshop. The session began with an introduction about GSDS by Ms. Asha and Ms. Shobha.
Senior Resource Person Ms. Amita Joshi spoke to the participants on gender sensitization. She said that ‘Gender Sensitization’ helps adolescent girls and women in examining their personal attitudes and beliefs on questioning the realities which they aren’t aware of most of the time. “Changes have to begin from the grass roots. In many families in both rural and urban areas while boys are encouraged to study and have a career, girls are taught to concentrate on household chores”, she said. They also showed a movie clip on the same subject.
Activity was done by the participating girls on gender equality where they showed they that girls are also equal and as important as boys.
The second session began with Dr. Manju Aggarwal lecture on ‘Good Touch and Bad Touch’, ‘Health & Hygiene and Menstrual Hygiene’. She gave demonstration on how girls can realize what ‘Good touch’ is and... Read More

The Samiti organized a consultative meet on July 20, 2019 in Gandhi Darshan, Rajghat in which it was proposed to observe August 23 every year as “Shantisena Day – Towards a Non-Violent and Non-Killing India”. The meeting was presided by Prof. N Radhakrishnan, Chairman, Gandhi Peace Mission, Kerala and Member of the Gandhi: 150 Committee formed by the Government of India.

Initiating the discussion, Director GSDS Shri Dipanker Shri Gyan talked about the vision of Gandhiji and Acharya Vinoba Bhave and stressed on the importance of celebrating the 125th birth anniversary of Vinoba Bhave throughout the country.

Prof. N Radhakrishnan said that “The idea behind the revival of Shanti Sena is to make the youth pledge against hatred, killing, and violence and to pledge allegiance to Gandhian principles of non-violence, peace and sacrifice”.

Shri Basant former Advisor to GSDS proposed that a recommendation be sent to the hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, with a request to declare August 23 every year as the Shanti Sena Day from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the Independence Day.

Shanti Sena'' (peace army), envisioned by Mahatma Gandhi to counter communal violence, and established by Acharya Vinoba Bhave on August 23, 1957, is being revived to mark Gandhi''s 150 birth anniversary and take it further to celebrate the 125th birth anniversary of Acharya Vinoba Bhave.

The others who spoke on the occasion... Read More

“There was great harmony between Mahatma Gandhi and Kasturba. If both had the freedom to walk and do their will in their lives, then it never came as a protest. The relevance of tradition and thought was such that Kasturba could never openly opposed Gandhi. Yes, it is also certain that when Kasturba felt that some things were important in terms of sociality even in opposition to Gandhi's will, then she did not lag behind in implementing it. Kasturba's role in recognizing Gandhi as a giant thinker on the global stage and setting his height high can never be ignored.”

“Gandhi's respect is not in South Africa less than in India. Nelson Mandela says Gandhi is very important to Africa. Ba was like a companion with Gandhi all the time, who took care of the freedom fighter Badshah Khan who came to his ashram. This was stated by Giriraj Kishore, author of the unique, highly acclaimed novel 'First Girmitiya Saga', in his lecture on July 15, 2019 in the tenth memorial lecture remembering senior journalist Prabhash Joshi.

Shri K C Tyagi, General Secretary of Janta Dal United also spoke on the occasion. Shri Banwari ji also spoke on the occasion.

Shri Rambahadur Rai, Managing Trustee of the Prabhash Parampara Nyas and President of the Indira Gandhi National Center for Arts, announced the name of Shrish Mishra, former local editor of Jansatta, for this year's Prabhash Vriti/scholarship and also gave information about the activities... Read More

Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti as part of the initiatives taken towards the celebration of the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, participated in the Rath Yatra at Jagannath Puri in Odisha from July 4-14, 2019 during which they initiated a special sanitation campaign during the Rath Yatra by cleaning the entire area by volunteers and staff of the GSDS. Regular shramdan by the GSDS members for the Rath Yatra in the periphery of the Jagannath Temple, the beach have been organized.
The Samiti also set up exhibitions. 12 panels on Gandhi and Education; 16 panels on Gandhi in Utkal; 200 placards on Swachhata (Satyagraha se Swachhagraha) were set up. Stall at the mela by the GSDS was also set up on the occasion.
On the occasion, the GSDS officials also conducted orientation of the local swachhagrahiscampaigning in the area for cleanliness drive. The orientation was based on Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of sanitation and cleanliness, his vision on peaceful interaction with people.

From Auto Drivers to Goodwill Ambassadors: A story of amazing transformation. 100 years ago, Gandhi Ji went from Delhi to Champaran and India got Satyagraha, the first powerful tool to achieve national freedom. After freedom, thousands of migrants from Champaran came to Delhi in search of livelihood.

Therefore, in a unique attempt to pay "karyanjali" to 100th year celebration of Champaran Satyagraha, The Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti (GSDS), Ministry of Culture, Government of India, decided to take up capacity building measures to bring a holistic change in the lives of Champaran auto drivers plying in Delhi NCR, which in turn, would also result in a safer and more pleasant travel experience to the commuters in the national capital.

Interestingly, a majority of auto drivers in Delhi NCR, belong to Champaran, so GSDS conducted a pre-mobilization survey on occupational and livelihood condition of Champaran Auto Drivers in Delhi NCR and based on the outcome, GSDS started Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) program as sanctioned by National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) under PradhanMantri Kaushal Vikas Yojna (PMKVY), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Govt of India.

Moreover, the Skill Development Team of GSDS led by Bishwajit Singh and aptly and variously supported by Vishwas Gautam, Puja Singh, Chandan Gupta, Ashish Mishra and Maushmi Kumari, also designed and imparted Life skill training, which became the highlight of the... Read More

A free eye check-up camp was held in Jail No 2, Tihar Prisons on April 27, 2018. Organised by Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti with the coordination and help of doctors from the R P Centre of AIIMS, the camp saw the participation of almost 204 inmates who took the free treatment. Dr. Manju Aggarwal, Shri Sushil Kumar Shukla represented the GSDS at the camp. Mr. Amresh Thakur from Shri R.K. Aggarwal Foundation represented his organization.

Shri R K Memorial Foundation gave free medicines to all the participating inmates. DIG Prisons, Shri S.K. Parihar from Prison Headquarters visited the camp was expressed his enthusiasm over more such camps.

Master Tarachand from Eye Bank delivered the lecture on eye care and eye donation. 46 inmates took part and also pledged for eye donation.

The doctors prescribed spectacles for 174 patients; five patients were advised for cataract surgery and one patient was detected with Glaucoma. 24 patients had normal vision. For cataract and glaucoma surgery, Jail authorities will coordinate with the AIIMS RP Centre, who will do the surgery for free.

As part of the initiative of the Pradhanmantri Skill Development Mission, the Samiti’s Skill Development Centre organised the RPL training programme for the auto drivers of Champaran in Bihar in Gandhi Darshan on May 14 and 22, 2018 respectively for 18th and 19th batches with the objective to recognise prior competencies of the assessed candidates and provide certificate and monetary reward on successful completion of the assessments.

On May 14, the guests who addressed the auto drivers included: Dr. Manju Rani Aggarwal, Shri Pawan Kumar and Shri Vishwas Gautam. 33 participants took part in the 12-hour training session from 8.00 AM to 8.00 PM.

On May 22, the trainers who conducted the session, included Shri Prashant Srivastava, Dr. Manju Aggarwal, Shri Pawan Kumar and Shri Vishwas Gautam, Social Activist. 45 participants took part in the programme.

To mark the 100th birth anniversary of Shri Nelson Mandela, a lecture on “Nelson Mandela in the Footsteps of Gandhi: Centenary Tributes” was jointly organized by Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti (GSDS) and Zakir Husain Delhi College within the premises of later on July 27, 2018.

Prof. N. Radhakrishnan, Chairman, Indian Council of Gandhian Studies including two other eminent speakers namely Dr. Uma Shankar, Dean Political Science Department and Dr. Ramesh Mishra (Faculty Member, Shyamlal college).The session was coordinated by Dr. Sanjeev Kumar (Faculty Member, Zakir Husain Delhi College) and Ms. Tripta (Faculty Member, Zakir Husain Delhi College) whilst attended by almost 70 students.

The session began with the students presenting an insight to the life of Shri Nelson Mandela. Ms. Tanya Arora gave a presentation on “A Brief Introduction on the life of Madiba”. Whereas, Ms. Alia and Ms. Deepshikha recited poems titled: “A Confession” and “A Positive Power” penned down by Ms. Syeda Rumana Mehdi.

Mr. Harshit threw light on the moral dimension behind the journey of Mahatma and Madiba and Ms. Madiha Akhter talked about the constraints of Peace and Ms. Khushboo described that how Nelson Mandela become the first black man in white man’s coat.

Dr.Vedabhyas Kundu (Programme Officer, GSDS) outlined the essence of Madiba’s life and asked the participating to self-introspect while walking through the footsteps of Shri Nelson Mandela. He also stressed that... Read More

A special programme, as a tribute to mark the beginning of the centenary year of Jallianwala Bagh was organized at Gandhi Darshan on April 13, 2018. Eminent Gandhian and former Director National Gandhi Museum, Dr. Y.P. Anand was the guest speaker on the occasion. Dr. K D Prasad, Regional Director of IGNOU RC 2 also addressed the gathering.

Dr. Anand provided a historical insight into this cataclysmic event which shaped the course of India’s freedom movement. It was this barbaric chapter of our history which made Gurudev return his Knighthood as a protest against the vicious act against innocent people. Jallianwala Bagh will always remain a beacon of inspiration in our eventful freedom struggle.

Dr. Prasad of IGNOU stressed the need for the present generation to learn about the details of this momentous event and imbibe the feeling of patriotism within.

Shri Laxmi Dass, Vice-President Harijan Sevak Sangh and a Gandhian thinker, Shri Basantji former Advisor GSDS and Gandhian thinker also shared their perspectives on the occasion. Among others were present Smt. Shashwati Jhalani, former Librarian GSDS and staff members of GSDS.

“Technology has entered society like a parasite and is a threat to humanity in several ways,” said senior BJP leader Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi at the Prabhash Prasang in Gandhi Darshan on July 15, 2018. Speaking on the 81st birth anniversary celebration of late journalist Shri Prabhash Joshi, Dr. Joshi said that with advancement in technology, humans are getting trapped in computers.

“Technology has entered our lives so much that we cannot get rid of it no matter how much we try. Technology is very magical. We are going into space, finding life on other planets, progressing in medicine, artificial intelligence etc.

"Question arises that on one hand we are going towards these things but we humans are also getting closed in a computer. Technology is like the parasite," he said.

While addressing a large gathering of over 400 people that included journalists, academicians, writers, authors, poets, scholars, people from the media fraternity, Dr. Joshi’s while speaking about “Technology and Democracy” threw light on the misuse of information and companies making money out of this data.

He also referred to Aadhaar being the newest form of data collection.
"It is a world of data. A company pays billions to get data about people. In elections earlier, people used to visit households and talk. Now everything is on mobile. Experts are consulted before speaking in a particular area as they have the data of the people there.

“Aadhaar is the... Read More

A day-long seminar on “Give Nonviolence a Chance” was organized by Gandhi Peace Mission, Kerala in association with GSDS and Mygov.in on May 3, 2018 at Gandhi Darshan Rajghat. Many eminent Gandhians, academicians, professors, scholars and intellectuals took part in this seminar.

Director GSDS Shri Dipanker Shri Gyan, in his keynote address, specified the need of this discussion. He mentioned that there is a basic difference between animals and human beings. He said that conflict is a nature of ‘jungle’. But in today’s society crime and conflict is increasing day by day among and between human beings. Perhaps it is happening because jungle or forests are decreasing every day and we are converting and developing forest land into the residence, that’s why jungle nature is emerging in human society and animals are becoming pet animals.

“Developed nations have initiated towards nonviolent conflict resolution and the change is seen when heads of two Korean nations cross the border together. The same tradition should be followed in each and every street and corner of the society so that we could move towards a nonviolent society and peaceful life”, he said.

Kumar Shekhar Chancellor of Shobhit University who also moderated the discussion, emphasized to not to make Gandhi a God. ‘Be the change you want to see in the world’ as Mahatma Gandhi had said. Nonviolence must start from us. Making strict laws is not a way to nonviolence. “Nonviolence doesn’t only... Read More

A three-day educational Utsav “GYANOTSAV 2075”, was organized in Gandhi Darshan by Shiksha Sanskriti Uthan Nyas from April 6-8, 2018. The chief guest of this congregation was Shri Mohan Bhagwatji, Sarsanghchalak of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. Other dignitaries such as Hon’ble Dinanath Batra, Convenor, Hon’ble Atul Kothari, Co-Convenor, “Shiksha Sanskriti Uthan Nyas”, Sh. Iswar Dayal Kansal, Coordinator Gyanotsav 2075, Sh. Arun Bhardwaj, Convenor, Bhartiye Bhasha Abhiyan, Sh. Prasarita Varma, Convenor, Orrisa & Bengal and others were present on the occasion. 60 schools and universities from 12 states of the country took part in the three-day programme.

In the first session, the heads of the respective School or University came together and took part in a thoughtful session. In this session, discussions were based on the contemporary educational practices in India along with the concern for respect to moral values, environment and character building in education was taken up.

Apart from this, an exhibition was organized which was inaugurated by the Shri Mohan Bhagwat Ji, in which educational institutions from all over the country have demonstrated innovations and innovative experiments in education.

In this session, Mr. Mahesh Sharma ji (Minister of State Independent Charge) Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation in his address said: “I have full faith that the gap between education and culture would be reduced through this event and the goal of... Read More

• Number of School Participation: 170
• Number of Students participation: 68,000+
• Number of Students Participation in competition: 17000+

• Orientation workshop for School Principals at National Institute of Technology, Agartala
  • Schools were invited to participate with the support of Directorate of Secondary Education, Government of Tripura and National Institute of Technology, Agartala.
  • 170 participating school principals came for orientation workshop.
  • The workshop was aimed to encourage the principals to participate in the initiative, form cultural clubs in their schools and then engage students through these cultural clubs.

Dignitaries included Shri Ravindra Sathe, Director General RMP; Mr. Priyank Kanoongo, Member RTE & Education NCPCR; Dr. Sunita Changkakati, Chairperson, Assam State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (ASCPCR).

Inspired by the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi’s appeal to the nation to commit themselves to the eradication of dirt, poverty, communalism, casteism, corruption and terrorism, Rambhau Mhalgi Prabodhini (RMP) in collaboration with GSDS organised Sankalp Se Siddhi initiative across the North East India with an aim to encourage schools staff and their students towards this nation-building initiative.

To ensure proper participation of schools and their students, RMP brought on board the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights, Various state education departments and respective state SCPCR.

As part of the campaign:

1. Schools were encouraged to form cultural clubs.
2. Through cultural clubs, Sankalp Se Siddhi competition were organized.
3. Students were given a competition booklet, through which they were asked to think and share how they could contribute to this mission.
4. School students took a pledge towards New India in their school assembly.

To have a deeper connection with the schools on the initiative, orientation workshops for school principals were organized across state capitals:

An interactive workshop on “Stress Management and Inter-personal Conflict Resolution” was organized for the GSDS staff on July 30, 2018, at Gandhi Darshan. Almost 120 persons took part. The workshop was conducted by Shri Atul Priyadarshi an expert trainer from Patna.

During the workshop, Shri Atul Priyadarshi focussed on different aspects of stress management such as ‘individual stress’, ‘emotional stress’, ‘physical stress’, ‘behavioural stress’ and how that affects the psyche of a person both at the workplace as well as at home.

Basing his training on different concepts, he further suggested various stress management techniques such as:

1. Prioritise Your Health
2. Get a Good Nights Sleep
3. Practice Deep Breathing
4. Stay Hydrated
5. Eat for Wellbeing
6. Get Moving to Combat Stress
7. Adopt a Positive Mind Set
8. Master Your Time
9. Don’t be a Slave to Tech
10. Learn to Say No

Analysing stress and the need to resolve it, Shri Priyadarshi spoke of integrity, character, ethics and values that are needed to self-motivate a person.

The second session that was conducted by Shri Atul Priyadarshi was on managing “Interpersonal Conflict”, where through games and meditation the concept of ‘unity’ was reiterated. Concepts such as “Learn how to use parts of the conflict resolution process to recognize and prevent conflict before it escalates”; “Develop communication tools such as... Read More

An orientation Programme on “Nonviolence Communication and Nonviolence Conflict Resolution” was organized by Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti for officials of Special Unit for women and children of Delhi Police from June 19-20, 2018 in Police Training School, Malviya Nagar, New Delhi. The aim of the program was to build a framework of mediation in solving the conflicts without using coercive methods and violence and also help police officials to develop the friendly linkages with/between the citizens. About 50 Police Officers took part in the training programme.

Along with Dr. Vedabhyas Kundu (Program Officer, GSDS) two eminent resource persons viz. Shri Kumar Amitabh (Senior Journalist and Filmmaker) and Ms. Shweta Rashmi (Journalist, Working for Women and Children) contributed to achieve the overarching goal of enhancement of Police-Public partnerships and to integrate Gandhian techniques in policing.

The programme started by outlining the aims and objectives of the orientation programme by Dr. Vedabhyas Kundu (Program Officer, GSDS). While speaking on the benefits of the programme, he added that as police play a role of mediator to solve the conflicts between the two groups or individual, this program could help them to deal with the situation without using coercive methods and violence.

Thus making their job easier and safer and thereby help them to develop friendly linkage with /between the citizens. He also shared experiences of similar... Read More

We are running every day with utmost pace but we are still on the same page. This friction in our steps whilst in the lifelong journey embarking an entrenchment swaying conflicts.

With the aforesaid reality checks and to reach up to the required solutions, an orientation programme on “Nonviolence Conflict Resolution and Nonviolent Communication” for Sub-Registrars (Revenue Department, Govt. of NCT of Delhi) was organized on April 28, 2018 by the Samiti at Gandhi Darshan.

After a brief introduction of the GSDS, Dr. Vedabhyas Kundu (Program Officer, GSDS) outlined the aim and objectives of the training programme. While speaking on the benefits of the programme, he added that the program could help participants to deal with the situation without using coercive methods and violence in dealings with day to day lives.

The First session was conducted by Shri Dipanker Shri Gyan (Director, GSDS), who began his session by sharing his experiences while working in the Revenue Department. Through the course of introspection and discussion with the participants, he cited the inevitable reasons behind the stressful life of Sub Registrars when dealing with the public (suffer from interference or overindulgence).

While taking a reference from the life of Mahatma Gandhi, Shri Dipanker Shri Gyan pointed that during his whole life, the Mahatma faced an innumerable crisis from various corners related to conflicts, disparities. But even after facing such stringent... Read More

Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti, in association with Arsa Bharati Trust, Gouras Pariwar, Telangana G.O.U. Federation (Goras Organizations United Federation, Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts (IGNCA) and Multiple Voluntary Institutions, have jointly organized “Y.A.G.Y.A. Expo – 2075” from July 14 – 24 July, 2018 at Gandhi Darshan.

The main objective of the expo was to showcase the traditional aspects of applied Vedic arts & Sciences of Yog, Ayurveda, Govidya, Yagya, etc. with a prime focus on their potential applications in present day’s agriculture, Health Care, Education, Culture, Environment Protection (Reversal of Climate Change), Livelihood Generation and Community bonding, thereby achieving the global goals of sustainable development S.D.Gs – 2030 which states: (No poverty, Zero hunger, Clean Water & Sanitation, Good Health and well-being, reduced inequalities, responsible consumption and production, sustainable cities and communities, climate action, Quality education, etc.)

The expo was inaugurated by Shri Manhar Zala (Chairman, National Safai karamchari Commission) at the I.G.N.C.A. auditorium on July 14, 2018. Shri Subhash Jindal (Patron of Bharat Sevak Samaj) presided over the inaugural session that was attended by over 60 delegates from various parts of the country.

Other dignitaries who occupied the Dias included Dr. ISH Narang (Delhi Arya Pratinidhi Sabha), Er. Subodh Kumar (Working President of G.O.U. Federation), Umesh... Read More

A “Yoga Utsav” was organized by GSDS on June 16, 2018 at JVCC Lawns, Sec-21, NOIDA, Uttar Pradesh. Dr. Mahesh Sharma, Hon’ble Minister of Culture and VC GSDS was the chief guest on the occasion. Padma Bhushan Shri Ram Vanji Sutar graced the occasion with his presence. About 100 yog sadhak and sadhika (practitioners) and 500 audiences took part in the programme.

In his address, Dr. Mahesh Sharma emphasized the importance of yoga to lead a positive and healthy life to bring harmony and peace to the world. He also performed yoga with the participants. “Yog Patrika”, a monthly newsletter was also launched on the occasion by Dr. Mahesh Sharma.

A large number of people from all walks of life participated in the Yog Utsav. Yoga session was conducted by Mr. Prem Kumar Bakshi along with Shri Santosh and Ms. Rashmi Jha. Yogasana competition was an attraction of the celebrations.

Shri N S Negi, Shri P V Janardhan and Ms. Rashmi were external judges for the purpose. Cultural programmes based on Yoga were performed.

The Samiti hosted the screening of the documentary film on “Non-Violent Communication” in Gandhi Darshan, Rajghat on May 18, 2018. The film focused on the different aspects of non-violent communications with interviews of resource persons, experts, Gandhian thinkers, working professionals, and experience sharing by home guards personnel.

Director GSDS, Shri Dipanker Shri Gyan, Shri S A Jamal, Administrative Officer, Dr. Vedabhyas Kundu, Programme Officer, other staff and members of the Samiti took part in the discussions on the film and presented their suggestions for improvising the same in the film.

Various suggestions were taken to be incorporated in the film. It was suggested that:

1. A soft instrumental music Vaishnava Jana Tau could play in the background.
2. Make a shorter version of the film for showing during the workshop with essential meaning.
3. Increase the respondents .
4. Make the message of the film more clear and emphatic.
5. Incorporate the problems faced by the participants.

The Samiti as part of its swachhatta abhiyaan organized a cleanliness drive on April 12 and April 19, 2018 respectively in Gandhi Darshan. Assistant Librarian Smt. Sunita Joshi coordinated the shramdaan in coordination with the Programme Unit. Other staff of the GSDS joined in the cleanliness drive. A prayer meeting – Sarva Dharma Prarthana was also organized on the occasion.

A senior delegation of Gandhian scholars, academicians, social workers and others took part in a discussion on programmes and actions to be undertaken for the celebrations of the 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi on May 1, 2018 in Gandhi Darshan.

Participating in the discussion were Shri Aditya Patnaik, Shri Basant Ji, Prof. Manoj Kumar, Dr. B Mishra, Prof. Girishwar Mishra, Dr. Mahesh Sharma, Dr. T Karunakaran, Shri Dipanker Shri Gyan and others.

The delegation also took part in a meeting chaired by the Hon’ble President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind and Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on May 2, 2018 at Rashtrapati Bhawan.

The President said that the Gandhi's birth anniversary commemoration has a worldwide meaning. "Let us elevate this to a global celebration, using platforms such as the United Nations and other multilateral organizations. The focus should not just be on events, but on tangible, actionable legacies that will make a difference to the lives of ordinary people -- wherever they may be," he said.

Shri Narendra Modi called for the celebrations to move beyond government events and take the shape of a mass movement. He further suggested that the activities for commemorating Mahatma Gandhi’s 150th birth anniversary in 2019 be designed around the theme of “Karyanjali” or “Gandhi in Action”.

As the daylight began to give way to the evening sky, over 1000 people gathered at the newly named Charkha Park, to witness the inauguration of the newly installed Insignia’s developed by the Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti on huge stones and the Steel Charkha by the Hon’ble Union Agriculture Minister, Shri Radha Mohan Singh. A galaxy of distinguished guests such as Shri Pramod Kumar, Bihar Tourism Minister; Smt. Anju Devi, Chief Councillor, Motihari Municipal Council; Shri Vinay Kumar Saxena, Chairman, Khadi and Village Industries Commission; Shri Babloo Gupta, Member Legislative Council; Shri Brajkishore Singh, Secretary, Gandhi Sanghralaya, Motihari; Shri Dipanker Shri Gyan, Director GSDS, Shri Chandrabhushan Pandey, eminent Gandhian and journalist and others were present at the inaugural ceremony.

The Insignia was designed in the Gandhi Darshan complex at Rajghat, New Delhi by the GSDS under the guidance and supervision of eminent sculptor and Director General of National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi, Shri Adwaita Gadanayak and his team of artists from Orissa who had spent over a month in carving the stone pillars – first with the image of Ba and Bapu, the second with the signatures of Gandhiji in different languages; the third pillar with shlokas from the Rig Veda and the fourth pillar depicting the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean) symbolising the introspection in search of truth and non-violence for attainment of strength and resilience to fight... Read More