Morung Express News
Kohima | October 2
A seminar on ‘Thoughts & Philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi’ was held on October 2 at Durbar Hall, Raj Bhavan Kohima. Organised by the Raj Bhavan, Kohima, in commemoration of the year long event of 150 years celebration of Mahatma Gandhi, the seminar was attended by students from various schools and colleges across the State.
The welcome and opening remark was delivered by Prof. Pardeshi Lal, Vice Chancellor, Nagaland University while Minister of Higher and Technical Education, Temjen Imna Along delivered the keynote address. Governor of Nagaland, PB Acharya was the chief host
Life and contributions of Mahatma Gandhi
Focusing on the life and contributions of Mahatma Gandhi, Prof. Pardeshi Lal put to light the pictorial image of Gandhi in a simple dhoti portrayed everywhere across the world, stating that the transformation in Gandhi's clothing was a result of his compassion towards the suffering and oppressed.
“To understand Gandhi, we must also understand his love for nature and Mother Earth,” said Lal who viewed that Gandhi's philosophy on nature is crucial for combating climate change today. A skilled educated mind, equal distribution of wealth and decentralisation of power that Gandhi propagated, according to Lal, are essential today for a country to progress.
Lal also remarked that there are two opposing perspectives on Gandhi and Gandhian philosophy in recent years. On one hand, the perspective that Gandhi's philosophy are no longer relevant, has emerged while on the other hand, another perspective views that Gandhian thoughts and philosophy are still essential and relevant.
Prof. Pardeshi Lal however viewed that when the world is facing much dilemma on nuclear weapons and biological weapons of mass destruction, it still needs the thoughts and philosophy of the Mahatma Gandhi. “It has not become useless rather all these years, it was used less,” stated Prof. Pardeshi Lal.
Greatness is what you are inside: Temjen Imna
"Greatness is not by looks or how you behave, it is what you are inside. In my heart, I believe Gandhi was a trendsetter. He fought freedom without hating the oppressors. He believed, not in words but by deeds. He stood for what he believed was right and the right of the people in this country," said Minister Temjen Imna Along in his keynote address.
Elaborating on the principles and ideologies of Gandhi, Minister Along encouraged the students to study and learn more about Satyagraha- the weapon of Mahatma Gandhi. "If we can imbibe a little principle of Gandhi, I think that we could bring a lot of changes in our society and community," viewed Minister Along.
While speaking on the life of Mahatma Gandhi, Minister Imna Along also made a mention of the publicity stunts and much publicised community service often created by people as well as politicians. "Many a times we do it for the photographs especially we politicians," admitted Minister Temjen Imna Along, who however emphasised that real and positive changes can be made without putting up banners, posters or taking photographs and selfies. The Minister encouraged the students to commit at least an hour or half to community service every week by helping out the elderly, cleaning and clearing up garbage, and providing services wherever needed.
Governor Acharya while delivering the valedictory address stated that the importance of Gandhian thought of truth, morality and ethics remain integral to our national consciousness and has influenced the social and administrative sectors of India in various aspects.
