Over 400 participants took part in the Navrozfestival that was celebrated with gaiety in Gandhi Darshan by Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti (GSDS) and the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan on March 19, 2022 during which the valedictory programme of the Bamyan Winter School – organised by GSDS in association with Afghan Embassy during January-February 2022 – was also organised. The celebrations that took place commemorating the Gandhi-Badshah Khan FriendshipWeek brought out diverse colours of the culture of India and Afghanistan along with the reverberating sounds created by Afghan songs and music.
Former Governor of Sikkim Dr BP Singh, who was present as the chief guest in the program, said that Navroz is a festival of happiness, music and peace. The cultural ties between India and Afghanistan will be further strengthened by organizing such programmes. Calling that where politics have failed to bring peace in the world among nations, it the time to uphold the cultural institutions and rebuild cultural dialogues to succeed in bringing peace.
Dr. B P Singh called for unity in peace, love, culture, “Unity can be secured through love and through children”, he said, adding, “You can be peaceful in all circumstances”.
Founder Chairperson of Sulabh International Social Welfare Organisation and executive member of Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti, PadmashriBindeshwar Pathak, threw light on the relationship between Gandhiji and Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan. He said that both were priests of non-violence and peace. Society is in great need of peace in today's era. He also reiterated the contribution of Sulabh in the promotion of public toilets in Afghanistan and Kabul.
Prof. Narayan Bhai said that he was fortunate to have met Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan. He was a great personality and felt the essential need of what he termed as ‘Inculcating vocabulary’ of non-violence amongst the children for long term peace for humanity.
Director of Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti Shri Dipankar Shri Gyan said that India and Afghanistan have relations since ancient times. In the Mahabharata, there is a mention of Gandhari, the daughter of the king of Kandahar, who became the queen of India. Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan is also called Frontier Gandhi in India. The relations between India and Afghanistan have been further strengthened by the exchange of culture and reading lessons.
During the programme, students who undertook the course on ‘Nonviolent Communication’of GSDS expressed their views on the features of the course.
All the guests were felicitated by giving mementoes by DirectorGSDS Shri Dipanker Shri Gyan.
Presentation of colourful cultural programs on this occasion captivated the minds of the people. A display of the festival of Holi through a Kathak presentation by artistes from Rydhun Cultural Academy was another highlight of the valedictory programme. Many dignitaries from India and Afghanistan were present in the program including Mr. Hamidullah, Ms. Ayesha, Ms. Nazir Ahmed, Mr Karimullah and others. Mr. Rahul Banerjee from Raisina House was among others who spoke on the occasion.