Dr. N. Radhakrishnan, Chairman, Kerala Gandhi Smarak Nidhi,
Shri P. Gopinathan Nair, Senior Gandhian Leader and Padma Shri
Awardee,
Dr. N. Gopalakrishnan Nair, Secretary, Kerala Gandhi Smarak
Nidhi,
Dr. Jacob Pulickan, Director, Gandhi Darshan, Kerala Gandhi
Smarak Nidhi,
प्रियसहोदरीसहोदरनमारे[Priya Sahodaree Sahodaranmare],
एल्लावरकुमएन्टेनमस्कारम. [Ellavarkkum Ente Namaskaram].
I am delighted to inaugurate the fortnight long Gandhi Jayanthi Celebrationsand the National Campaign to Enlist One Million Non violent Families, initiated by Kerala Gandhi Smarak Nidhi. It is gratifying to note that these programmes are part of the worldwide celebration of the 150th Birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the Nation and the world's most inspiring prophet of non-violence.
Let me begin by complimenting Kerala Gandhi Smarak Nidhi, its Chairman, Dr. N. Radhakrishnan and his colleagues who represent different Gandhian organizations on their devoted efforts to convey the Mahatma's message of peace, non-violence and self reliance among the people.
As we all know, the Gandhi Smarak Nidhiwas established in 1948 to promote the manifold constructive activities with which Gandhiji was associated and to conduct activities in furtherance of his ideals. Ever since its formation, the Gandhi Smarak Nidhihas been growing in strength as well as reach by spreading its activities to various States, taking Gandhiji's messages to the people.
The Kerala Gandhi Smarak Nidhi, which was established in 1951-52, under the chairmanship of the famous Kelappaji, also known as Kerala Gandhi, continues its role as an umbrella organization for Gandhian initiatives.
I am informed that Kerala Gandhi Smarak Nidhi has 19 centers for rural reconstruction all over Kerala and 30 sub centers which carry out the goal of achieving Gramaswaraj. Their work on the eighteen point programme of Mahatmaji, with thrust on production of Khadi and Village Industries products, Agriculture, Education, de-addiction Gandhi Darshan etc., deserve our appreciation.
The true greatness of Gandhian teachings and ideals is their ever increasing relevance at the physical, social and spiritual levels. Some of his teachings were directed towards the most basic levels of our lives. These teachings have become more important as it is from the grassroots levels that we can effectively address social and spiritual issues.
All of us would recall that in 2014, our Manneeya Pradhan Mantrijilaunched the Swachh Bharat Abhiyanto create awareness to make India clean and green by 2019, when we would celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of Gandhiji.
It was a campaign that targeted everyone, particularly those at the grassroots level. When more and more people joined the Swachhta movement, the entire nation realized the true relevance of the Gandhianviews about personal and environmental hygiene. And, see what a world of difference it has made, both in our minds and in our surroundings!
The context in which we celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of the Mahatmais very important. The Mahatma’s fight was not just for freedom from the British colonialism but for freedom from all divisive and separatist tendencies. For him, the unity of the human soul was above everything and Truth alone was the Eternal Being. His faith in the absolute oneness of God and humanity has made many people describe him as an Advaitin.
Gandhijitransformed thousands of ordinary Indians into brave and determined freedom fighters. That this transformation was realized through non-violence, speaks volumes about his character as a leader of the masses. This was sort of a miracle which became possible due to his moral power. When Gandhiji spoke about the need to avoid violence, he was not talking about mere physical violence. He believed in and practiced non-violence in action, speech and thought which came from personal example : ‘Be the change you want to see in the world’, he said.
Gandhiji’s multi-dimensional concept of non-violence included the need to be free from violence of all kinds, be it economic, psychological, linguistic, political, social, religious or cultural. For instance, Gandhiji argued against the western model of education, because he could identify in its character, a preparation of innocent young people to suit the needs of an imperialist regime, which was violent by nature.
For Gandhiji, non-violence was not a shield against any attack, but a potent weapon to be wielded only by the brave and the resolute. ‘Right means to achieve right ends’ was a principle he practiced in word and deed. He had viewed violence as Internal as well as external, because to him, a cruel thought in the mind was internal violence. He identified Love as Ahimsa and hatred as violence. That is why Gandhiji placed great importance on self-purifying through sacrifice and discipline.
As we celebrate the 150th anniversary of Gandhiji's birth, we realize that non-violence remains as a beacon toward harmony and unity in today's world, which is sadly torn apart by dissent and discord. What the world needs today, is a commitment to continue the lifelong efforts of Gandhiji to
re-define, broaden and deepen the understanding of Ahimsa. We must realize that in a world that craves to enure progress and human dignity, the denial of rights and welfare to certain sections of people, amounts to the violence of status-quo.
While we discuss issues like social welfare, we are reminded of how the essence of Gandhian messages echoes in every article of our Constitution. As citizens of the largest democracy, it is our duty to cultivate a culture of nonviolence and harmony, which is the greatest legacy that the Mahatma gave us. I am certain that the National Campaign to enlist One Million Non violent Families, initiated by Kerala Gandhi Smarak Nidhiwould go a long way in cultivating this culture of non-violence.
The martyrdom of Gandhiji, soon after Independence remains even today, as one of the greatest losses of this nation. Any recollection about Gandhiji is an occasion to dedicate ourselves to the preservation of our national identity and to pledge to help our nation grow stronger and more united. It is through such strong resolve that we pay our tribute not only to Gandhiji, but also to the thousands of freedom fighters who gave us this independence.
And, this tribute is best paid through a clear, and strong message of non-violence. Since the family is the basic unit of social existence, it is truly befitting that this National Campaignaims to mobilize one million families, strengthened by the power of non-violence. One million families could also mean at least one million children, through whom the message of Ahimsawould spread to the coming decades. I convey my best wishes for the success of this Campaign.
लोका: समस्ता: सुखिनो भवन्तु
[Lokah: Samasta: Sukhino Bhavantu]
Valare Nanni
Jai Hind
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