Gujarat Samachar organised a special zoom event on the occasion of Mahatma Gandhi's 154th birth anniversary on October 2, 2023. During this virtual gathering, CB Patel, the Editor in Chief of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar, and numerous participants reflected on the life, principles, and significant moments in the life of Mahatma Gandhi, while paying tribute to his enduring values.
The consulting editor of Gujarat Samachar, Jyotsnaben Shah, while presiding over the programme, offered heartfelt homage to the remarkable life of Gandhiji and extended a warm welcome to all attendees gathered to celebrate Gandhiji's legacy. Additionally, she paid tribute to the former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri and remembered his pioneering role in initiating the Green Revolution in 1962, marked by the iconic slogan 'Jai Jawan-Jai Kisan.' During the event, she highlighted the significant life events and contributions of both of these exemplary individuals to our nation, evoking a sense of reverence and admiration among the participants, who joined in offering their salutations.
The programme commenced with a solemn prayer led by Dr. Mattur Nandakumara, the Executive Director of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, London. Following this, Jyotsnaben Shah received a prestigious award from the Gujarat government in recognition of her exceptional efforts in promoting culture. The event then witnessed a captivating prayer led by the melodious voice of Mayaben Deepak, adding a touch of spiritual resonance to the proceedings.
Editor-in-Chief, CB Patel, said, “In the present era, our hope was that after Gandhiji's sacrifice, humanity would continue to uphold its humane values. However, regrettably, tendencies towards separatism, a propensity for violence, and a malicious sense of self-interest have tarnished the essence of humanity. As a British citizen, I am deeply disheartened and ashamed that a heinous crime occurred in Britain last week, and I extend my sincere apologies to the public. I conveyed to the High Commission my belief that such actions are entirely unacceptable. Nonetheless, it's important to acknowledge that there have been commendable instances of dignified conduct as well.”
“Today, we emphasise rights over duties. It seems that, with time, we have veered away from the 11 Mahavrats that Gandhiji held dear. I don't elevate the Mahatma to the status of a deity, but I earnestly pray for the inspiration to carry forward his legacy by embracing and embodying his teachings. Jay Bharat,” he added.
From Barrister Gandhi to Satyagrahi Gandhi
Jagdish Dave, former chairman of the Mahatma Gandhi Foundation, said, “There are many aspects to Gandhiji; each aspect can be lectured separately, but I will only talk about how Barrister Gandhi became Satyagrahi Gandhi. This was first published in Gujarat Samachar, 'Barrister Gandhi to Satyagrahi Gandhi'. The article states that a 24-year-old man, dressed in English attire, departed from Durban for Johannesburg. Having graduated as a barrister in London approximately five to six years ago, he arrived in Durban with an exceptional legal background in India. Trains departing from Durban make a stop at Pietermaritzburg station. However, in a disheartening incident, a white officer instructed the Indian passenger, seated in the first-class compartment, to move to the third-class compartment. Despite holding a valid first-class ticket, he refused to comply, was pushed down, and his baggage thrown away.”
“On a frigid winter night, in an entirely unfamiliar land, Gandhi found himself utterly helpless. The reactions stemming from this profound experience sent ripples throughout the British Empire, eventually giving rise to a series of non-violent movements that would profoundly challenge the foundations of imperialism. History bears witness to the transformative power of these movements,” he added.
Talking about Mahatma Gandhi creating a special place, Padmashri Vishnubhai Pandya, senior journalist, said, “The initial ashram from where Gandhi embarked on his journey of Satyagraha was the Phoenix Ashram, not Sabarmati. He conducted various experiments and drew upon several philosophies during his time in South Africa. During his stay, Gandhi organised a contest in which people could vote on the word that should represent his movement. Among the suggestions, "Sadagraha" was proposed, but Gandhi believed that "Satyagraha" was a more suitable term. Thus, he advocated for the use of "Satyagraha," giving birth to a new way of nonviolent resistance that would impact the world.”
“The Satyagraha movement in India marked a significant historical event that unfolded in Champaran, making it a pivotal milestone. It was initiated by Mahatma Gandhi in Champaran and held such profound importance that it caught the attention of the British rulers. Following the events of 1857, a sense of a new path and a budding national awakening began to emerge. Subsequently, locations such as Kocharab and Gandhi Ashram were established in Ahmedabad,” he added. As time passed, Mahatma Gandhi made the decision to disband the Sabarmati Ashram and relocate to Wardha. The ashrams established in Wardha hold great significance, as Gandhi advocated for the transformation of the Congress Party. He insisted that upon India's independence in 1947, the Congress Party should dissolve itself and transition into a Lok Sevak Sangh.
Gandhi emphasise the path of truth and non-violence
Writer Usha Upadhyaya said, “The message of Narsingh Mehta's "Vaishnav Jan To Aye Re Kaley" hymn also resonates in Mahatma Gandhi's 11 Mahavratas. Following in the footsteps of Narsingh Mehta, Gandhi reiterated these principles, and today, even in the era of artificial intelligence, their wisdom endures. Both Narsingh Mehta and Gandhi emphasised the importance of treading the path of truth and non-violence, as well as refraining from stealing, underscoring the enduring relevance of these teachings. As we witness various atrocities and unsettling events around us on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, I find myself contemplating the choice between AI and Gandhiji's teachings.”
“AI offers us analytical insights and tools to navigate the complex web of human endeavours and achievements. However, the profound essence of humanity that Gandhiji championed cannot be attained without cultivating a deep sense of empathy and sensitivity. On this Gandhi Jayanti, I would like to emphasise that it's essential to preserve Gandhiji's enduring values. Upholding his unwavering compassion and concern for the most vulnerable among us and engaging in even the smallest acts of service for those who suffer are genuine tributes to his legacy,” she added.
Rashmi Begani said, “The principles of Jainism such as compassion, humility, and nonviolence, have all been strongly influenced by Bapuji throughout his life. He was more of a Jain in spirit than he was a Jain by birth. Early in his life, he was greatly inspired by two or three people, and one of them was Shrimad Raj Chandra ji. As everyone knows, he converted to vegetarianism, which was highly influenced by Jainism. In Jainism, we do not believe in hurting even the smallest living things, and today, a lot of scientific research has shown that following a vegetarian diet really helps with health. Gandhiji adopted a very simple lifestyle, which is also influenced by the principle of aparagriha, or non-possessiveness. Lots of Jain nuns and monks barely possess one or two items other than the immediate clothing or the utensils they use and Gandhiji too had just his dhoti which he made using the charka. The colour he adapted was white, which stands for purity and is also worn by Jain nuns and monks.``
Gandhi’s actions changed destiny of many
Yashuben Patel talked about Gandhiji's biography and said that Bapu was a pious man whose actions changed the destiny of Indians. Even the British had to pack their bags and run away. We were amazed by the power that one man's army had. After starting the Dandi March on March 12, 1930, when Bapu broke the salt law in Dandi on April 6, the people of the Kantha region rejoiced. The path of violence was not even in Bapu's mind, and he went to jail. This was the first victory of Satyagraha.
On the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, poet Pankaj Vora's poem paying tribute to Gandhiji was recited by well-known poet Bharatiben.
Recalling Gandhi's legacy, Kokila Patel, consulting editor of Gujarat Samachar, highlighted “the profound influence he had on ardent advocates such as Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela. Martin Luther King led a nonviolent movement in America, striving to end injustices against black individuals. Similarly, in South Africa, Nelson Mandela championed the Gandhian approach in his fight against apartheid.”
“Gandhiji's unwavering commitment in the pursuit of truth is evident in his autobiography, titled "The Experiments of Truth." Throughout his life, Gandhi presented ideas that remain exemplary for all, not only through his words but also through the way he lived,” she added.
Pooja Raval, Manager-Business Development, while addressing the participants, said, “I want to say a line from Gandhiji's Panchamrut, ‘I am very dear to the wise, and the wise are dear to me’. Our Editor-in-Chief C B Patel has steadfastly maintained his dedication to knowledge and service, marking an impressive half-century of unwavering commitment to Jnanayagya and Sevayagya.”
“Gujarat Samachar has now entered its 51st year, and this milestone would not have been possible without the invaluable support of our readers. Over the past 12 months, we've been listening to your feedback and requests. In response to the concerns voiced by our loyal readers, we have decided to enhance the coverage of Gujarat Samachar and Asian Voice from October 1. This step is aimed at providing you with an even better service. We kindly urge you to take advantage of the existing pricing structure while it lasts and also spread the word among your loved ones. Additionally, we are excited to announce that we will be publishing a special Diwali issue in November to celebrate the festive season with you,” she added.
The vote of thanks was presented by Mahesh Liloriya, Group Editor
