STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: To remember Father of Nation, Mahatma Gandhi and former Prime Minister, Lal Bahadur Shastri, the Jammu and Kashmir Freedom Fighters Association (JKFFA) on Monday held a function at Dogra Shourya Sthal Amphalla, here.
The function was organised by President of the Association, Ved Gandotra. Dr. Mohan Lal Meenia, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Floral tributes were paid to the noble souls and candles were also lit in their honour. All the participants observed two minutes silence. The members threw light over the life history of Lal Bhadur Shastri and said that he proved an iron man who gave be-fitting reply to the military aggression of Pakistan in 1965.
Under Shastri’s leadership the Indian forces turned the Chhamb Sector into the graveyard of American Peton tanks, which were the most sophisticated tanks of that time, the members said and added that the Pakistani forces faced an humiliating defeat by the Indian forces. The members also said that Shastri signed Tashkant Pact with Pakistan and the same night Shastri left the world after a heart attack in Tashkant (Russia). In a small tenure of his Prime Ministership, they said, Shastri had shown the world the might of the country and gave a slogan of Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan which was relevant today, too.
The members asked the citizens of India to rise like Lal Bahadur Shastri and all other martyrs and freedom fighters and work for all over betterment of the masses and strengthen the nation.Remembering Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, they said Gandhiji played a vital role in our freedom struggle. Ahimsa (non-violence) and truth were his weapons, they said adding that Mahatma Gandhi was imprisoned several times for his attempts to free India from the bondage of British, yet he never gave up.
“Gandhi proved to the world that freedom can be achieved through the path of non-violence,” they said adding that his values and principles are timeless for students of the modern India.
The young generation should also follow the path of sacrifice and patriotism shown by the freedom fighters and martyrs, they advised.
Others were present on the occasion were Rajiv Mahajan (State President Shri Ram Sena), Tej Ram Dogra, JJ Singh, Pritam Sharma, Th. Karnail Singh, Prabhat Kapahi, Ram Rattan Raina and Gaurav.
Sulabh International Social Service Organisation J&K organised a valedictory function of Swachhta Hi Sewa Pakhwara which started on September 15, 2017 all over the country by the initiatives of Government of India.
Anil Kumar Singh Honourary Controller Sulabh International Social Service Organisation J&K, Dr. Zaffar Iqbal, Expert SLRM, Jammu, Dr. Ajay Kumar Singh, Assistant Professor CUJ, Dr. Pankaj Mehta Assistant Professor CUJ, Opinder Sharma, SR NYCS were present on the occasion.
Opinder Sharma said that NYCS has been working towards its mission of empowering the youth in order to power the nation.
Dr. Zaffar Iqbal spoke about the initiatives which were taken by Solid Liquid RM and also appreciated the Sulabh International for organising such types of programmes. He has elaborated the process of waste management with many examples in the context of J&K. Dr. Pankaj Mehta said that major reforms are required in the implementation of the policies related to cleanliness and waste management. Dr. Ajay Kumar Singh Chief Guest threw light on traditions of India which were embedded with core concept of cleanliness. “Gandhi has told that cleanliness is as important as country”, he added. Anil Kumar Singh presented the report of the Swachhta Pakhwada. All the dignitaries present on the occasion also read out the Swachhta Shapath.
Meanwhile, a prayer meeting was organised on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti at Gandhi Bhavan near New Secretariat Jammu. The function was jointly organised by Gandhi Bhawan Committee and Gandhi Sewa Sadan.
Eminent speakers highlighted the teachings of the Father of the Nation and children from different schools presented group songs and speeches. The children were advised to follow the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi and spread the message in their respective schools.
Ved Ghai, Patron Gandhi Sewa Sadan also spoke on the occasion. The welcome address was presented by Dr Gautam Mengi President Gandhi Bhawan Committee. Rajinder Kakkar, Manager Trustee, Dewan Badrinath Group of Schools also spoke on the occasion.
Shri Ranbir Higher Secondary School, DBN Mubarak Mandi, DBN Amarvilla, and Balniketan and Balikaniketan Ved Mandir Schools participated in the programme. The event was managed by Bhuvneshwar Gupta, Joint Secretary Gandhi Bhawan Committee.
On Gandhi Jayanti, the 66 Bn SSB continued with their campaign of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan in and around Paloura, Babe Talab area and Mobile ‘Swachhta in and around Jammu City.
Ajay Kumar Commandant with other officers along with unit personnel participated in the campaign.
Aam Aadmi Party members along with senior leaders Rajesh Bali, Bilal Khan, Rani Devi, S.B Bakshi, Rajesh Lakhotra, Tilak Raj Gupta and celebrated Gandhi Jyanti here at Laxmi Nagar.
Bali said that Gandhi was the pivot behind India’s struggle for freedom against British rule. Bilal Khan said that today the nation is celebrating Gandhi’s birthday as well as his life that serves as a guiding force for several people in India and across the world.
Meanwhile, a function was held at PCC HQ Shaheedi Chowk Jammu to celebrate the birth anniversary of Father of Nation Mahatma Gandhi and former Prime Minister Lal Bhadur Shastri. The function was organised by District Congress Committee Jammu Urban under the leadership of Anil Chopra and attended by senior leaders of PCC, Youth Congress, Seva Dal, Mahila Congress, District Congress Committee and Block Congress Committees.
Raman Bhalla (Former Minister) Vice-President PCC presided over the function while Deputy CLP leader Aijaz Ahmed Khan, veteran Congress leader Gurmukh Singh, Chief Spokesperson Ravinder Sharma, Co-Treasurer Rajnish Sharma, General Secretaries Yogesh Sawhney, Th. Manmohan Singh, Ex-MLAs Swarn Lata, Indu Pawar (Mahila Congress President), Pranav Shagotra (PYC President), B.S. Sambyal (Seva Dal Chief), Y.V Sharma, K.L. Gupta, Secretaries Pawan Raina, Manjeet Singh Jatt and Lovely Gupta spoke on the occasion.
Speakers remembered Mahatma Gandhi and described him as one of the tallest leaders of the world who dethroned the mightiest rulers through his philosophy and weapon of Satya Grah (Non-Violence). They said that his philosophy and principles are becoming more and more relevant even today and India can remain united and stronger by following his philosophy and teachings. They said there is no alternative to the basic principles of “unity in diversity” because of the pluralistic composition of our country. Those forces which are opposed to this fundamental philosophy are sowing the seeds of disunity and division of India and all right thinking people must unite and rise to the occasion to defeat the designs of communal and divisive forces, they added.
They also remembered former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri and recalled his contribution to the nation and his commitment to honesty, integrity and simplicity, who realised the strength of this nation in the Gandhian philosophy and gave the slogan of “Jai Jawan Jai Kissan”.
Chief Spokesperson Ravinder Sharma paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi and said that the stalwarts of freedom struggle under Mahatma’s leadership suffered lot of hardships and made several sacrifices to achieve freedom. It was based on the philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi that the idea of India was translated into action as a free country based on equality and justice to all, irrespective of caste, creed, colour or religion. He referred to the contribution of Lal Bahadur Shastri, who gave the slogan of Jai Jawan Jai Kissan and led the nation to victory in 1965 war.
Bhartiya Kala Sangam (BKS) celebrated Gandhi Jayanti here at Government High School Raipur Satwari. Swaran Kanta, Principal was the Chief Guest. T.R Sharma KAS (Retd.) Chairman BKS, Ram Paul Dogra Senior Journalist, Leela Jamwal Advisor and other prominent persons of the area were also present. Students participated in debate competition highlighting the importance of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and also planted trees to commemorate the occasion.
While welcoming the Chief Guest and audience, Ramesh Singh Chib Director Bhartiya Kala Sangam Jammu gave a brief account of cultural activities and other literary programmes done during the span of 38 years with its beginning in the year 1980.
Meanwhile, a Special Drive for unemployed youth especially under Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) of Kashmir was started on the occasion of ‘Gandhi Jayanti’ at PMTC, KVIC, Pampore.
Around 200 applications were received from various beneficiaries especially women folk. Besides, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, plantation drive and painting competition among school children was also held at PMTC, KVIC, Pampore.
Anil Kumar Sharma provided information to the beneficiaries who intend to start their own units under PMEGP.
A pledge was also taken to keep the campus and neighborhood clean.
Later, cleaning campaign was launched to clean the campus.
In the end cash prize and trophies were distributed among the 1st, 2nd and 3rd position holders.
