‘Little Gandhis’ preach Mahatma’s legacy
‘Little Gandhis’ march in Mokokchung Town on October 1. (Morung Photo)
The 'Little Gandhis' with Lentina Ao, the wife of eminent Gandhian Late Natwar Thakkar, who started Nagaland Gandhi Ashram in Chuchuyimlang in 1955. (Photo courtesy: NGA @ashram_gandhi/Twitter)
Morung Express News
Dimapur | October 2
On the 150 birth anniversary of the Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi on October 2, it was the ‘Little Gandhis,’ from a quaint settlement in Mokokchung district, who made the boldest statement – literally and figuratively, here in Nagaland.
On October 1, citizens of Mokokchung Town were treated to a rare morning sight of ‘Little Gandhis’ strolling down the Town square, and espousing cleanliness, an intimate concern of Gandhi, and his teaching.
While such events are not uncommon during Gandhi Jayanti, it stood out from others, as the ‘Little Gandhis,’ 78 of them, were modelled in exact replica of the late Father of the Nation.
This was an initiative of the Nagaland Gandhi Ashram (NGA) in Chuchuyimlang, situated about 26 kilometres away from the Mokokchung HQ.
Students from the Mahatma Gandhi Academy of Human Development (MGAHD), National Institute of Electronics & Information Technology (NIELIT) and Government High School, Chuchuyimlang in association with Chuchuyimlang Youth Club collaborated for the event, it was informed.
MGAHD is a collaboration of Nagaland Gandhi Ashram and Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai and serves as the latter's regional off campus providing Master of Arts in Social Work (MASW) programme with specialization in Livelihood and Social Entrepreneurship.
A street play, directed by Bendang Walling of Hills Theatre, depicted Gandhi’s life and philosophy while contextualising his teaching with the present social, economic and environmental pollution.
Apart from the play, a flash mob dance was presented by the students as a part of the ongoing Swachhata Hi Seva, coinciding with Gandhi's sesquicentennial.
The following day, in Chuchuyimlang, there was a flurry of activities. According to updates from NGA and MGAHD on October 2, the day began early at 6 am with community cleaning jointly led by Chuchuyimlang Village Council, Chuchuyimlang Urban Town Council, churches and schools, Watsü units and extended family of NGA.
Youth carrying placards sensitised the community against use of plastic and promote indigenous products to strengthen village economy during the cleanliness drive.
Later, a public functions was also observed at the Town’s 'Anu Mai' Amphitheatre.
Apart from paying tributes to Gandhi led by the eldest man and woman of Chuchuyimlang, it also featured a competition on his favourite hymn – ‘Abide With Me.’ There was also a competition for the best ‘Little Gandhi.’
The significance of the day was also given by Dr Aotoshi, the Managing Trustee of NGA.
As a part of the anniversary celebration, it was informed that an exhibition on the theme, ‘Swadeshi’ showcasing indigenous products and resources kicked off at the Ashram on October 2.
The day ended with the screening of Oscar winning movie – Gandhi, at the NGA complex.
It may be noted here that Nagaland Gandhi Ashram was started by eminent Gandhian Late Natwar Thakkar, popularly known as Nagaland's Gandhi, in 1955.
Thakkar died last year on October 7, aged 86, leaving behind his wife, Lentina Ao, two daughters and a son, but most importantly, the imprint of Gandhi in Nagaland. In a rare gesture, his last rite was performed at a space reserved by the village council honouring his legacy.
'Mahatma's Apostle,' a short biography of Late Takkar was also presented at the event.
Watch a brief video of 'Little Gandhis' here:
https://www.facebook.com/mex.nagaland/videos/2670575879653861/
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