Dimapur, Oct. 2 (EMN): Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) celebrated the 152nd birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi in the office of the District Congress Committee (DCC), Dimapur, on October 2. The programme was jointly organised by the minority department and Dimapur DCC.
Speaking at the programme, NSUI Nagaland president X Chophika Sumi highlighted the contribution of Gandhi and the Congress in the freedom movement. He mentioned that the Congress not only gave its all in getting independence from the British but also contributed so much in nation building, an update from DCC Dimapur media cell stated.
He has criticised the ‘hypocrisy’ of Modi, where on one hand he considered Godse and Savarkar as his icon and praised Gandhi whenever he gave speeches abroad. He pointed out how the RSS opposed the ‘Quit India Movement’ called by Gandhi in 1942 and now the same BJP-RSS wants others to prove their patriotism.
He called upon the party workers to instil Gandhi’s ideals and work for the country. He further paid tribute to Lal Bahadur Shastri, former Prime Minister of India, and reminded the party workers of the famous slogan “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan’.
Rajesh Sethi, Chairman of NPCC minority department, quoted Gandhi’s words ‘Be the change you want to see in the world’ and encouraged the party workers to change themselves first in order to bring about transformation in the society.
He gave a brief sketch of Gandhi’s life and reminded the gathering to live like him. On Modi’s recent visit to the US, Sethi mentioned how PM Modi was schooled by VP Kamala Harris on democracy. He further highlighted how truth and independent voices are suppressed with the use of ED, IT dept etc., and lamented that it is not the India that Gandhi
envisaged.
The programme was chaired by Kutoho Chishi, working president of DCC Dimapur.
In a related programme, Nagaland BJP minority morcha also observed the 152nd birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi on October 2 at the House of Friendship (Old Age Home), Dimapur, under the leadership of its vice president Rabinderjit Singh Panesar.
An update stated that the director of old age home, Akokla Lucy Pongen led in the introduction, while Rev. Joseph Bech said the invocation followed with reading of biography of Gandhi by Sharatchandra Singh.
It stated that gifts were offered to all the inmates and also shared refreshment sponsored by M/s. Panesar Constructions. Flower tributes were offered by all the morcha members.
It added that speakers have heaped praise on Mahatma’s high ideals for peace with daring and simplicity which mesmerised the whole world and gave birth to Gandhian philosophy which was and is being followed by many of the topmost global leaders.
It further stated that district minority morchas in Dimapur, Kohima, Mokokchung, Tuensang, Phek, Kiphire, and Mon also observed Gandhi Jayanti in respective districts.