GUWAHATI, Oct 2 - Along with the rest of the country, Assam remembered the father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi on the occasion of his 151st birth anniversary today. Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal paid floral tributes to the statue of Mahatma Gandhi at the Gandhi Mandap here. Addressing media-persons here, the Chief Minister said that with his philosophy of nonviolence Gandhiji showed the path of peace and universal brotherhood to the global community.
�Based on Bapuji�s belief in cleanliness, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Swachh Bharat campaign to give a befitting tribute to the Mahatma. We are grateful to the people of the country for wholeheartedly embracing the Swachh Bharat campaign since its launch six years back,� Sonowal said. He also urged upon the people of all sections to emulate the ideals and philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi to promote peace and tranquility in the society.
Guwahati Development Minister Siddhartha Bhattacharyya, Member of Parliament Queen Oja, Deputy Commissioner Kamrup Metro Biswajit Pegu and a host of dignitaries were present on the occasion.
Later, the Chief Minister also took part in an all-faith prayer meeting organised by the Kamrup Metropolitan district administration.
The Directorate of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary also celebrated the occasion in its Chenikuthi campus here. Chairman of Assam Livestock and Poultry Corporation Manoj Saikia and Director of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Ashok Kumar Barman offered floral tributes to the statue of Mahatma Gandhi, and lighted ceremonial lamp.
The 1st Battalion, NDRF celebrated the occasion with a number of activities across the State. Under the supervision of its Commandant RS Gill, �unity run� programmes were conducted by NDRF in Patgaon, Mirza, Changsari and also in Agartala, Tripura.
NDRF rescuers participated and completed a 10-km run as part of the event. Moreover, a plantation drive was carried out at Battalion Headquarters in Patgaon, where 200 saplings of different varieties were planted. A massive cleanliness drive was also taken up by the NDRF at ISBT, Guwahati.
