GUWAHATI, Oct 1 - Gandhian philosophy and thoughts are relevant even today, Governor Prof Jagdish Mukhi said at a function held at Raj Bhavan today on the eve of Gandhi Jayanti, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
Remembering Gandhi�s contributions, Prof Mukhi said he was the personality who led a successful non-violent movement to free India from British colonial rule.
�While he inspired his countrymen to unite against a foreign power that dominated them for 190 years, he also waged a heroic and tireless battle on the home front to give swaraj to the people of the country. He fought hard to rid Indian society of the age-old and deep-rooted prejudice against the untouchability,� the Governor said.
�Gandhi condemned the idea of untouchability. He called it a crime, an evil, a blot in the name of Hinduism. He sincerely believed that the curse of oppressive British rule was a just punishment for the sin of untouchability that high-caste Hindus had shamelessly practised for many centuries,� the Governor added.
Prof Mukhi also observed that Gandhi condemned alcoholism and all its manifestations. �Gandhiji declared that indiscriminate drinking was a dire threat to the very existence of the society,� he said.
Professing Gandhi�s mantra that �Cleanliness is Godliness�, Prof Mukhi said Gandhi demonstrated, propagated and insisted on cleanliness for individuals and community as a whole throughout his life.
Prof Mukhi further said Gandhi was an exponent of the cult of ahimsa or non-violence. �Like the Buddha, Christ and Chaitanya, Gandhiji too believed in the ultimate victory of non-violence over violence. Force or violence, according to him, is madness which cannot sustain,� the Governor said.
Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, in his speech, said that following the footprints of Gandhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphasised on Swachhata, which has now become every individual�s job to keep his surroundings clean. He also said 24 lakh latrines have been constructed in the State, and the student community has shown significant desire to support the Swachhata movement.
Assam Down Town University Vice Chancellor Prof Amarjyoti Choudhury, while delivering the keynote address, gave an introduction of Mahatma Gandhi�s philosophy and his distinct ideologies for the welfare of mankind.
