Mahatma Gandhi’s life was like an open book. We can learn a lot from his life: M P Mathai
Attendees: Dr Vedabhyas Kundu(Programme Officer of Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti, New Delhi), Mr. Dipanker Shri Gyan( Director of Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti) , Prof. MP Mathai (Adjunct Professor, Gujarat Vidyapidh, Ahmedabad, Gujarat ), Professor R. Surendran (the Chairperson of the programme and Visiting Professor, Chair for Gandhian Studies, University of Calicut), Dr. Latha Nair R (Head of the Department of English at St.Teresa’s) , Dr Preethi Kumar( Assistant Prof. of the Department of English at St.Teresa’s) , Ms Snigdha Pradeep (Organizing Secretary of Gandhian Peace and Non violence Studies Centre), Ms. Maxlin M Maxy( Student wing member of the Gandhian Peace and Non violence Studies Centre), Students of the of English Department and the general public.
Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti, New Delhi in association with the Gandhian Peace and Nonviolence Studies Centre (An initiative by the Department of English and Centre for Research, St. Teresa’s College, Ernakulam) conducted the 5th Regional E-Conference on ‘Impact of Mahatma Gandhi on India’s freedom struggle’ on August 5, 2021. Dr. Latha Nair R and Dr. Preethi Kumar were the conveners of the programme.
Ms Snigdha Pradeep, Organizing Secretary of Gandhian peace and Non violence studies Centre delivered the introductory speech and talked about the ‘Impact of Mahatma Gandhi in South India’.
Prof M.P Mathai, Adjunct Professor, Gujarat Vidyapidh, Ahmedabad, Gujarat delivered the keynote address. Prof. M.P. Mathai said that Mahatma Gandhi had a special contribution in the freedom movement. “From the Champaran movement to the attainment of independence, his name remained in history. Under his guidance, many fighters enhanced their personality. Leaders like Nehru, Patel, Vinoba, Kripalani, Kamala Nehru, Kumarappa are their contribution. His life was like an open book. We can learn a lot from his life”, he said.
Dr. Preethy Kumar, the Co-ordinator of the Gandhian Peace and Non violence Studies Centre, delivered a speech on the ‘Relevance of celebrating Azadi ki mahotsav’.
Prof R Surendran, the Chairperson of the programme and Visiting Professor, Chair for Gandhian Studies, University of Calicut, spoke about the influence of Gandhiji in various aspects of our life. Maxlin M Maxy spoke about the ‘Relevance of Satyagraha with special reference to Kerala’.
Fiza Jahangir and Archana recited the song ‘Vaishnav Janato’.
A patriotic medley competititon was organized by the Gandhian Peace and Non violence Studies Centre, St. Teresa’s College, which was to open to students from colleges across India. The winning participant was Rishan M Shiraz, a 2nd year student from Govt. Homeopathic Medical College, Calicut. He was awarded a cash prize of Rs. 2000/-.
Director GSDS Shri Dipanker Shri Gyan said that Gandhism had full influence in the freedom movement. Today we are remembering the soldiers of freedom through the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav and this programme was started by the Hon'ble Prime Minister on March 12, 2021 from Sabarmati Ashram.