On Gandhi Jayanti, Himachal bows to apostle of 'ahimsa'

The Shimla district administration paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi, and the country’s second Prime Minister, Lal Bahadur Shastri, on their birth anniversaries by organising a ‘prabhat pheri’ (morning procession) here on Thursday.

The procession began at the Lal Bahadur Shastri Chowk Central Telegraph Office via Lower Bazaar and concluded near the statue of Mahatma Gandhi at the Ridge.

District administrative officials, children from the Sarvodaya Bal Ashram, Rockwood, volunteers from the ITI and Nehru Yuva Kendra, teachers from various schools, artistes from the Language and Culture Department, representatives of various organisations, and area residents participated in the procession. On this occasion, Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC), Shimla, Divyanshu Singal said drug addiction was the biggest challenge today, and all stakeholders in society had a very important role to play in combating it.

Mahatma’s ideals honoured

Indian Institute of Advanced Studies Director Himanshu Kumar Chaturvedi on Thursday delivered the presidential address during a special ceremony organised at the institute on the occasion of the 156th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, known as the father of the nation; and the birth anniversary of India’s second Prime Minister, Lal Bahadur Shastri.

Uma Anantani, a fellow at the institute, reflected upon the various dimensions of Mahatma Gandhi’s ideas.

The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by institute Secretary Mehr Chand Negi.

Nation salutes Shastri’s humility: MP Anurag

Hamirpur: The nation salutes two towering figures who symbolise India’s moral and political strength. This was stated by Anurag Thakur Former Union Minister while he paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri in Awahdevi village to mark their birth anniversary near here on Thursday.

Speaking at the function, Anurag Thakur said Gandhi’s philosophy of truth, non-violence and satyagraha that guided India’s freedom struggle and inspired global civil rights movements. He also highlighted Shastri’s humility, integrity and decisive leadership during the 1965 war, along with his historic call of ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan’ which continues to inspire the nation.

Chamba remembers father of the nation

Chamba: On the occasion of the 156th birth anniversary of father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi, a solemn programme was held at the district headquarters in Chamba on Thursday. Deputy Commissioner Mukesh Repaswal paid floral tributes before Gandhi’s statue, and talked about his contributions to India’s freedom struggle. Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner said Gandhi’s philosophy of truth and non-violence continued to inspire the world.

Earlier in the day, the Deputy Commissioner planted a deodar sapling under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign at Sultanpur, promoting the message of environmental conservation. Meanwhile, Gandhi Jayanti was celebrated with great enthusiasm at Government College, Chamba, under the aegis of the history department. The event featured a series of competitions — quiz, declamation, essay-writing, and poster-making — judged by Avinash, Prashant, and Santosh.

Swachhata hi Seva drive held in Solan

Solan: In a bid encourage citizen participation, a cleanliness drive was organised in Solan under the aegis of the Swachhata Hi Seva campaign on Thursday.

The annual, fortnight-long movement, which began on September 17 and concluded today, aimed at accelerate India’s sanitation efforts under the Swachh Bharat Mission.

The campaign mobilised citizens for community-led cleanliness drives, particularly in public areas and neglected spots, and includes activities like ‘shramdaan’ (voluntary service) and plogging (picking up litter while exercising) to reinforce the concept of “sanitation as everyone’s business” and achieve the goal of a ‘garbage-free India’.

An area of 10 km, from the historic Thodo Ground to Khanog in Solan, was rid of waste as part of the drive. An initiative of the district administration, the occasion also commemorated the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

Solan Additional Deputy Commissioner Rahul Jain, who presided over an event held in this regard, termed it as a social responsibility.

Several bags of waste were collected in the daylong campaign, where overwhelming support was received from volunteers of various non-governmental organisations.

Bapu’s teachings more relevant than ever: MC Commissioner

Mandi: The birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi was commemorated here on Thursday with a series of events marked by unity, patriotism and reverence. The celebrations began early in the morning with a Prabhat Pheri (morning procession), followed by an all-faith prayer gathering at Gandhi Bhawan and floral tributes at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi at Gandhi Chowk.

The Prabhat Pheri commenced at 6 am from Seri Manch, resonating with patriotic chants. The procession passed through Chauhata Bazaar, Moti Bazaar, Girls’ School, Balkaroopi Temple, Sanatan Dharm Sabha and the post office before returning to Seri Manch. The route concluded with a circumambulation of the Sankhan Garden Complex and reached its finale at Gandhi Chowk.

The event witnessed participation from prominent local dignitaries, school students and administrative officers. Upon reaching Gandhi Chowk, dignitaries, including MC Commissioner Rohit Rathour, Mandi SDM Sadar Rupinder Kaur and others, offered floral tributes at Mahatma Gandhi’s statue.

An all-faith prayer meeting was held thereafter at Gandhi Bhawan. Addressing the gathering, the MC Commissioner extended his greetings on Gandhi Jayanti and emphasised that truth and non-violence are not just legacies of the Gandhian era but also timeless values that offer guidance to today’s generation.

Rathour concluded by asserting that a society rooted in truth and non-violence forms the true foundation of progress, adding that this would be the most fitting tribute to the Father of the Nation.

Palampur unveils e-waste vehicle

Palampur: The Palampur Municipal Corporation on Thursday marked Gandhi Jayanti with a citywide cleanliness drive and the unveiling of an e-waste collection vehicle. Mayor Gopal Nag flagged off the vehicle from the municipal corporation campus, and paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi. Deputy Mayor Rajkumar and councillors Poonam Bali, Amit Sharma, Raju Thakur and Ajit Vagla were among the attendees of the event.

Nag said the e-waste collection vehicle was an important step towards making Palampur more environmentally sustainable. The programme concluded with a cleanliness pledge.