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Gandhiji�s teachings relevant even today, opines Jorhat meet

By The Assam Tribune

GUWAHATI, Oct 15 - At a time when social turmoil in its numerous manifestations in various corners of the globe have often led humanity almost to the brink of war and total annihilation, Gandhiji�s time-tested doctrine of non-violence and self restraint even in the face of extreme intimidation holds true even today, and its significance cannot be ignored under any circumstances, nor undermined.

The above was observed by Jorhat District Development Commissioner Brojen Das at a meeting to commemorate the inaugural function to mark Mahatma Gandhi�s year-long 150th birth anniversary to be observed in 2019. A meeting in this connection was organised by Mahapurush Madhavdeb Foundation at the Radhakanta Handique Bhawan of the Asam Sahitya Sabha at Jorhat recently.

Stressing on the relevance of Gandhiji�s teachings in the present-day context, Das maintained that in a world full of vice, greed and violence, it was only Mahatma Gandhi who dared to blaze a trail with his eternally sacred doctrine of self sacrifice and non-violence in order to achieve his seemingly impossible goal. Using non-violence as an effective tool to wrest independence for India from the yoke of British subjugation, Gandhiji also used spiritualism, morality, social discipline and strength of character as weapons in his non-violent resistance against the imperialists.

The meeting was held under the stewardship of Indrajit Kumar Baruah, under whose direction the 150th Gandhi Jayanti celebration committee will function. Speaking on the occasion, writer-cum-academician Dr Kutubuddin Ahmed shed light on Gandhiji�s ideals, magnetic personality and inclinations, and made a comparative assessment between the Father of the Nation, Vinoba Bhave and Srimanta Sankaradeva in the realm of moral affinities. Dr Ahmed also urged the upcoming generation to imbibe the lofty ideals of Mahatma Gandhi.

Sharing details of the official itinerary drawn up to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, Dr Cheniram Dutta, who is the president of Mahapurush Madhavdeb Foundation, informed the audience that the year-long celebration has been planned in such a manner so that the upcoming generation may derive inspiration and be attracted towards the novel ideals that Gandhiji espoused. Senior Advocate Robin Bora too spoke a few words.

Prizes were distributed among winners of the literary competitions organised by the Foundation among the students in two categories. The �Shantidoot� award was conferred on Sayasnigdha Bharali of Balya Bhawan, Jorhat, for securing the first position in an extempore speech competition on the topic, �Shantidoot Mahatma Gandhi�. Instituted in memory of Aijoni Tamuly of Karanga, the �Shantidoot� award comprises of a cash prize of Rs 1,500, a packet of books along with a citation.

Similarly, Diksharani Gogoi of Gurukul Shiksha Aiyoton bagged the top slot in an essay competition on the topic, �Ghosha Naame Sastra Bhagi Tumiu Likhiba� and was presented the �Bhaktidoot� award. Instituted in memory of Anjul Baruah (Dhon), the award consists of a cash prize of Rs 1,500, a packet of books along with a citation.

Earlier, the programme started with Ghosha Paath by lady members of the Foundation, while secretary Ratul Baruah explained the objectives and subsequently offered the vote of thanks. Among others, the Foundation�s legal adviser Pradip Kumar Bora, Jugal Kishore Agarwalla, Sailen Nath, Biman Baruah, Niru Barua and Noni Barua attended the proceedings.

Significantly, the 16th edition of a folder titled Leseri Butoli in memory of Late Lakheswar Baruah of Charigaon Mouza, who is famed as the first self-declared �President� of �Independent Charigaon State� during the Quit India Movement of 1942, and his wife Late Bukujuri Baruah, was published on the occasion, a press release received here stated.

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