Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Oct 2: The 156th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and the 121st birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri were commemorated with reverence and enthusiasm across Jammu and Kashmir and beyond. Political parties, social organizations, educational institutions, and civil society groups organized a series of functions, paying floral tribute and recalling the timeless contributions of the two great leaders towards freedom, nation-building, and the values of truth, non-violence, and simplicity.
Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) paid rich tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri on their Jayanti, recollecting the selfless services of both towards Nation building and people empowerment. A function in this connection was held at Srinagar Party Office. JKPCC President Tariq Hameed Karra along with AICC general secretary & CLP Leader Ghulam Ahmad Mir and other senior party leaders and legislators including ex-MLA Bashir Ahmad Magray, MLA Nizam Ud Din Bhat, Irfan Hafeez Lone, Surinder Singh Channi and Nissar Ahmad Mandoo paid floral tribute to both the leaders.
J&K Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), led by its president Sat Sharma, paid rich floral tribute to Gandhiji and Shastriji on their birth anniversaries at different places across the Union Territory. At Gangyal, Sat Sharma was joined by BJP National secretary & MLA Dr Narinder Singh, J&K BJP general secretary Baldev Singh Billawaria, and several party functionaries. At Kachi Chawni, J&K BJP vice-president Priya Sethi, general secretary Sanjita Dogra, MLA Yudhvir Sethi and other senior leaders accompanied the BJP president in paying floral tribute. J&K BJP general secretary (organization) Ashok Koul paid tribute to the great leaders at BJP headquarters, Trikuta Nagar, Jammu. He was joined by party vice president Rekha Mahajan, MLA Vikram Randhawa, district president Naresh Singh Jasrotia and others.
National Conference (NC) president, Dr Farooq Abdullah paid rich tribute to Gandhiji and Shastriji on their birth anniversaries, remembering their extraordinary contributions to India’s freedom, unity, and progress. He said that Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of truth, non-violence, and communal harmony continues to inspire generations across the world. Remembering Shastri, Dr Farooq said he championed the rights of farmers and soldiers, and worked tirelessly for peace and social equity,” he said.
A function was held at PCC HQ Shaheedi Chowk Jammu to celebrate the birth anniversary of Father of Nation Mahatma Gandhi and former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri. The function was organized by District Congress Committee (DCC) Jammu Urban under the leadership of Thakur Manmohan Singh. Raman Bhalla, working president PCC, presided over the function while senior leaders Balwan Singh (Ex-MLA), Yogesh Sawhney (Ex-Minister) Ved Mahajan (Ex-MLC), Rajnish Sharma (treasurer), T S Tony (DDC) and others attended. They all paid rich tribute to the Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bhadur Shastri and recalled their contribution to the nation.
Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar attended an event organized today by Gandhi Global Family (GGF) J&K to commemorate the 156th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, at the historic Diwan-e-Aam, Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex, Jammu. In his address, Ramesh Kumar urged students and youth to imbibe Gandhian values in their everyday lives to build a peaceful and harmonious society. Dr S P Varma, GGF J&K president called for the strengthening of global brotherhood and peace. Tribute were also paid to Lal Bahadur Shastri on his birth anniversary. A special felicitation ceremony was also held during the event, wherein prominent social activists were honoured by the Divisional Commissioner for their exemplary services during humanitarian crises, particularly post Operation Sindoor and the Jammu floods.
To commemorate the occasion, District Legal Services Authority Jammu held a cleanliness and plantation drive in the premises of District Court Complex Janipur, Jammu. The event started with the floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi by Y P Bourney, Chairman DLSA Jammu, in the presence of other Ld. Judicial Officers of district Jammu. Bourney while interacting with the gathering highlighted Gandhi’s thoughts on truth, non-violence and cleanliness. He emphasized that cleanliness should begin with our own bodies, then to our homes and finally to the outside world. LADCs, panel lawyers, PLVs and staff of DLSA Jammu were also present on the occasion.
BJP Minority Morcha J&K team paid rich tribute to the two great leaders by organizing a special tribute program under the leadership of Narinder Jain, State vice president of BJP Minority Morcha J&K. The program was attended by prominent members of the Minority Morcha, including Advocate Jasmeet Kour Pandey, Bhupinder Singh, Dr Surjeet Singh, Prithpal Singh, Joginder Singh Raju, and others. The participants recalled the sacrifices and contributions of Gandhi and Shastri, stressing that their lives were true examples of service to the nation.
Apni Party paid rich tribute Gandhi and Shashtri in a program organized under the chairmanship of former minister and provincial president, Jammu, Manjit Singh. Prominent among those who spoke on the occasion include provincial vice president Arun Kumar Chibber, district president Jammu Urban Abhay Bakaya, senior leader Bodh Raj Bhagat, social media incharge Jammu province Vaibhav Mattoo, senior vice president district Jammu Urban Neelam Gupta, secretary district Jammu Urban Sheekha Bhardwaj, joint secretary district Jammu Urban Yash Pal Chowdhary, media secretary district Jammu Urban Divansh Sharma, and others.
The birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi was commemorated at Tavistock Square, London, in a solemn ceremony organized by the High Commission of India, attended by dignitaries, members of the Indian diaspora, Gandhi Global Family delegates and community representatives. The ceremony featured Councillor Anjana Patel, Mayor of the London Borough of Harrow, as a guest speaker who highlighted how Gandhi’s teachings shaped the moral and social values of generations in the UK. The event was led by High Commissioner Vikram Kumar Doraiswami. The commemoration concluded with a monk-led prayer for peace.
Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) chief spokesperson Inam Un Nabi today said that the true tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his birth anniversary and the real spirit of Dusshera lies in standing for truth, defeating injustice and upholding the dignity of every human being. Inam was reacting to the hunger strike of incarcerated MP from Baramulla, Engineer Rashid, who is on his second day of protest inside Tihar Jail.
Indian Institute of Management Jammu observed the 156th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, alongside the 121st birth anniversary of Lal Bahadur Shastri, with reverence and enthusiasm at its Jagti Campus. The event began with floral tribute offered to both the leaders by Prof B . Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu. Faculty members, officers, staff, and students also paid their heartfelt floral tribute, remembering the immortal contributions of these great leaders to India’s freedom, integrity, and progress. The day began with a blood donation camp and health camp at Sanjeevani. A cultural event was also held at the Mandapam Auditorium.
Under the patronage of Prof Umesh Rai, Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu (JU), the Gandhian Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies, JU, in collaboration with the SKUAST Jammu Morning Walkers Association, celebrated Gandhi Jayanti with great enthusiasm and fervor. The program was attended by around 100 prominent members of civil society including president Raj Kumar Gupta from R S Pura, who gathered to pay tribute to the Father of the Nation. The event provided a platform for participants to reflect on Mahatma Gandhi’s teachings and their relevance in today’s world.
Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University (BGSBU) organized a solemn event at its conference hall to pay homage to the Father of the Nation, and to reflect upon his timeless values of truth, non-violence, and selfless service. The University community also paid rich tribute to Lal Bahadur Shastri, on his Jayanti. In his message, Prof Jawaid Iqbal, Vice Chancellor BGSBU, said, “Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri Ji epitomized moral courage, humility, and selfless service. Their vision continues to guide us in building a society rooted in peace, equality, and justice.”
To commemorate Gandhi-Shastri Jayanti, Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat (EBSB) Club at the Indian Institute of Technology Jammu (IIT Jammu), in collaboration with The Law School, University of Jammu, organized a group discussion on the Official Languages Bill of 1963, which subsequently became the Official Languages Act, 1965. The event was moderated by Dr Rajendra Solanki from IIT Jammu and Dr Nitan Sharma, Assistant Professor, The Law School.
A programme was organized by Congress workers under the leadership of Hari Singh Chib, vice president JKPCC at Paloura, Jammu. The function began with garlanding the portrait of Mahatma Gandhi, followed by an all-faith prayer meeting. Prominent leaders and participants present on the occasion included Som Nath Sharma (president BCC Pata Paloura), Tarun Vaid and Virender Mehta.
BJP District Jammu South, under the dynamic leadership of its president Naresh Singh Jasrotia organized a tribute function which was graced by Ashok Koul (Organization general secretary J&K) and MLA Vikram Randhwa. Speaking at the event, Ashok Koul highlighted the enduring relevance of Gandhi’s principles of non-violence, truth, and Satyagraha.
Gandhi Bhavan Committee (GBC) organized a solemn programme at Gandhi Bhavan. The event was graced by former MLA of Jammu East, Yudhvir Sethi, as the chief guest. The programme commenced with the traditional lighting of the ceremonial lamp, followed by floral tribute to the portraits of Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri. GBC president Dr Gautam Mengi also attended the event.
BJP Mahila Morcha under the leadership of Advocate Neha Mahajan, president BJP Mahila Morcha J&K, organized a special programme at Khadi Gram Udyog, Residency Road, Jammu, to celebrate birth anniversaries of Gandhiji and Shastriji. Floral tribute were offered to the two great leaders, recalling their supreme sacrifices and contribution to freedom, simplicity, and nation-building.
Government Deputy SP Aman Thakur Memorial Degree College Kastigarh celebrated Gandhi Jayanti with great enthusiasm. The program began with paying floral tribute to Gandhiji. Prof Koshal Kumar Mangotra Principal of the College while addressing the students urged the students to follow philosophy of Gandhiji.
To mark the occasion, STC BSF Udhampur organized special cleanliness drives at Government High School Ritti and Government High School Rown. These events witnessed enthusiastic participation from BSF Officers and personnel, students and staff of the schools, as well as local residents.
AICC member Shamsher Chand organized a function at Wave Mall, Shankar Nagar in Jammu to mark the birth anniversaries of Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri. Among others, Balwinder Singh Rinku (Coordinator Minority Department) and Rakesh Meenia (senior Congress leader) attended the event.
Commemorating the birth anniversary of Gandhi, Standing Conference of Public Enterprises (SCOPE) paid a floral tribute at SCOPE Convention Centre, New Delhi, and Atul Sobti, Director General, SCOPE garlanded the statue of the father of our nation. He said that, “Mahatma Gandhi’s life is not just a chapter in our history; it’s a living guide for ethical governance and social responsibility.”
NILM NGO organized a heartfelt celebration to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. The event took place on October 2nd at zonal office Bantalab Jammu, where volunteers, community members and local leaders gathered to honor Gandhiji’s legacy. The program began with a floral tribute and bhajan session, followed by a series of cultural performances and speeches highlighting Gandhiji’s philosophy.
Marking the occasion, Bhagawaan Gopinathji Trust organized a painting competition at its Ashram in Udaiwala, Bohri (Jammu). President, Ashok Kumar Razdan presided over the function. Around 200 children participated in the competition. Certificates and Trophies were given to those who secured first, second and third position in each category.
On the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, a vibrant peace rally was organized in the Bakshi Nagar area, led by Gourav Anil Chopra, former corporator and contesting candidate for MLA Jammu West. Chanting patriotic slogans and carrying messages of unity, the children of Rich Heritage School marched through the streets, drawing admiration from local residents.
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