BJP Ukhrul District organised a cleanliness drive and paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi to commemorate the 151st birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation during a function held at Gandhi Chawk at Phungreitang in Ukhrul town here on Friday.Â
As part of the observance, BJP Ukhrul district offered garlands to the Gandhiji’s statue as a mark of respect and conducted a cleanliness drive in and around Gandhi Chawk.
Speaking at the occasion, former Deputy Speaker, Manipur Legislative Assembly MK Preshow Shimray stressed on the importance of Mahatma Gandhi’s principle of ahimsa, stating that non-violence has remained the only means to bring an ultimate triumph.
“Today, we are celebrating this special occasion because it gives us a lesson of how Gandhiji used ahimsa as a non-violent tool to overcome the mighty British colonial rule and helped India attain its independence in 1947,” he asserted.
He continued that non-violence may not bring immediate gains but it will ultimately bring joy by ensuring kindness, compassion and forgiveness for everyone, while adding that this was how Gandhiji helped India gain its independence through his ahimsa.
“Which is why, on this auspicious occasion, we all must honour and learn to embrace the ideologies and philosophy of Gandhiji in all spheres of our lives today,” Shimray exhorted.
Remembering Gandhiji’s contributions in shaping India as a new nation, Shimray stated that Gandhi also helped the nation get rid of age-old social evils like untouchability and racial discrimination and changed the mindset about the poor among the masses.
President, BJP Ukhrul district Thotthing Kashung and ex-MLA BJP candidate Somi Awungshi also spoke about the footprint of sacrifices and struggles left by Gandhiji. They called upon the denizens of the district to develop better understanding of the ideology and principles of non-violence used by the father of the nation for prosperity of the society.
The event was attended by dozens of BJP leaders, mandal members and party workers of the district.