Urges youth to uphold Gandhi’s message of unity, non-violence, and equality
STATE TIMES NEWS
NEW DELHI: In a vibrant and inspiring ceremony marking Gandhi Jayanti, former Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir and Chairman of the Gandhi Global Family (GGF), Ghulam Nabi Azad inaugurated the Global Youth Festival 2025 at Sant Nirankari Bhawan, Panipat, Haryana.
Organized by the Gandhi Global Family in collaboration with the Sant Nirankari Mission and the National Youth Project, the festival is a nationwide initiative aimed at educating and empowering youth through the life, principles, and teachings of Mahatma Gandhi. The event drew participation from hundreds of students, youth leaders, academicians, peace activists, and members of civil society from across India.
Addressing the large gathering, Azad emphasized the enduring relevance of Gandhiji’s message in today’s world.
“Gandhiji’s ideology was one that united people. He never indulged in division or discrimination,” Azad stated.
“Today, it is the responsibility of the younger generation to carry forward his message – that there should be no violence, no discrimination on the basis of caste, religion, or region. From Kashmir to Kanyakumari, we are one. Gandhiji’s India can only progress when we stand united and work collectively for our nation.”
He highlighted that the youth are the torchbearers of change and must embrace values of truth, non-violence, inclusivity, and justice- the core tenets of Gandhian philosophy. Azad also spoke on the growing need to counter rising intolerance and divisions in society with the strength of peaceful coexistence and mutual respect.
The festival featured a range of activities, including panel discussions, cultural performances, youth debates, art displays, and interactive sessions designed to inspire the younger generation to imbibe Gandhian values in both personal and public life.
Also present at the event were Padma Shri S.P. Verma, senior GGF leader and renowned Gandhian, and Ram Mohan Roy of the Gandhi Global Family, along with several dignitaries from the host organisations and civil society. Their presence added immense value and gravitas to the occasion.
In their remarks, the organisers emphasized that the Global Youth Festival is not just an event, but a growing national movement to reconnect India’s youth with the ideals that shaped the country’s freedom struggle and democratic foundations.
The large turnout of young participants from different parts of the country reflected the rising interest among youth in understanding Gandhiji’s legacy and applying it in addressing modern-day challenges like inequality, communal disharmony, and violence.
The event concluded with a pledge by participants to uphold the spirit of “Ahimsa” (non-violence) and to strive for a peaceful, united, and just India – true to the dream of Mahatma Gandhi.