As part of Azadi ka Amrit Mohatsav, commemorating the 75th year of India’s Independence, several non-political organizations and their representatives from Nirmala Deshpande Sansthan led by former Member of Parliament Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad gathered at Gandhi Darshan Rajghat on August 13, 2021 to commence on a Yatra “Aagaz-E-Dosti” (from 12 to 15 August, 2021) from Mahatma Gandhi Samadhi at Rajghat to the memorial of Shaheed Bhagat Singh and his accomplices at Hussainewala (Ferozepur).
About 35 men, women and students are walking in this journey. The yatra team will pay their tributes by visiting all the freedom fighters visiting places in their memory during this period.
Other stops on the journey include Khadi Ashram, Panipat, Khatkar Kalan, the birthplace of Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Freedom Fighters Memorial Hall in Jalandhar in memory of Gadri Babaya, the birthplace of Lala Lajpat Rai in Duddi Kalan and finally the Yaris will reach Hussainiwala Samadhi Sthal via Moga.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad sharing his personal experiences said that in 1969, two students from his princely state of Jammu and Kashmir had the opportunity to participate in the Gandhi Vichar camp and it was these moments that changed the course of his life. He, of course, held many positions while in politics, but did not leave the basic principles of Gandhi's thought, truth and non-violence. It was the effect of this idea that in spite of many opportunities in all political life, do not fall into any addiction.
Referring to the second experience of his political career, Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad said that when he got the opportunity to become the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Bapu's immortal thought was given to the students in the age-group of 14 to 16 years in that militancy-affected state and inspiring them for taking Gandhijis thoughts by distributing the autobiography "The Experiments of Truth" and organized a competition based on it. About 12 lakh students took part, he informed.
“In politics too today there is a need to create purity, honesty and sweetness. There is bound to be opposition in politics, but it should not be enmity”, he said, adding, “The Aagaz-e-Dosti Yatra has great relevance; it will work to unite the broken, sick and injured hearts. All their goodwill, support and best wishes for the success of this journey”.
The others who spoke on the occasion included Dr. Saeeda Hameed, journalist Ms. Mandira Nayyar, granddaughter of Late Kuldeep Nayyar (who started this journey in 1985), Director National Gandhi Museum, Shri A.Annamalai and Shri Ram Mohan Rai, General Secretary of Gandhi Global Family. Padma Shri Dr. S P Verma and artist Smt. Hena Chakraborty were others who also shared their experiences.
Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad also had a meeting with Director GSDS, Shri Dipanker Shri Gyan. Other members of the peace yatra were also present on the occasion.