Gandhi Jayanthi celebrated in SEVAI Shanthi Matriculation Higher Secondary School.

School students take oath on Nation building on Gandhi Jayanthi

Gandhi Jayanti was observed in SEVAI Shanthi Matriculation Higher Secondary School on 2^nd October 2013 in Arumbuhalnagar Community centre to commemorate the birth of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (October 2, 1869 - January 30, 1948). His non-violence or Satyagraha continues to influence political leaders and movements till date. The celebration and essence of Gandhi Jayanti is not restricted within India and also observed by the United Nations as the International Day of non-violence that aims to disseminate his philosophy, principle and believe in non-violence through proper education and public awareness. The Principal of SEVAI Shanthi Higher Secondary School, Mrs.P.Chitra in her introductory speech of this commemoration mentioned that Celebration of Gandhi Jayanti is also a moment to relive Mohandas Gandhi's life and contribution in India's Independence. His childhood memories and experiences are vividly depicted by him in his autobiography Gandhi led nationwide stir for achieving Sawaraj, abolition of social evils, empowering women rights and improving economic conditions of peasants and farmers. He further strengthened his movement against the British Raj and led Indians in protesting Dandi March Salt in 1930 that was later followed by the popular Quit India in 1942 calling British to leave India. Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was the preeminent leader of Indian nationalism in British-ruled India. Employing non-violent civil disobedience, Gandhi led India to independence and inspired movements for civil rights and freedom across the world. In her special address, the Assistant Head Mistress of the School,Mrs.Meena quoted Gandhi about his views on children as “If we are to reach real peace in this world and if we are to carry on a real war against war, we shall have to begin with children and if they will grow up in their natural innocence, we won’t have the struggle, we won’t have to pass fruitless idle resolutions, but we shall go from love to love and peace to peace, until at last all the corners of the world are covered with that peace and love for which consciously or unconsciously, the whole world is hungering”. Mrs.P.Vanitha, SEVAI Coordinator mentioned that Gandhi gave importance to health and Cleanliness and we need to give immense importance to cleanliness keep surroundings free of dirt. The school pupils are to keep the surrounding clean and tidy as respect to Gandhi. Gandhi gave had his faith in women and he encouraged women empowerment. The SEVAI Shanthi Matriculation Higher Secondary School students took an oath on this occasion, “We will be a Worthy Citizen of India; We shall rise

Community lunch arranged on Gandhi Jayanthi

above all divides of caste, religion, region, languages and gender to make a United and Powerful India”. The Chairman of South Zone Board of Continuing Education, Dr.K.Govindaraju in key note address mentioned, “Gandhi was neither a president nor a prime minister. Mohandas K. Gandhi was a constant experimenter. Spirituality, religion, self-reliance, health, education, clothing, drinks, medicine, child care, status of women, no field escaped his search for truth. His thoughts when appeared in the form of talk or article became official words of action with the masses of India. He was a man who did what he said and led an exemplary and a transparent life. Not many people can claim “My life is an open book “.An adamant idealist, courageous fighter, a deep thinker, and a great leader of men and ideas, it was possible for him to do that because he identified himself with struggles and pains of the common Indians. He quickly became the sole voice of the downtrodden and the exploited. They completely believed that Gandhiji understood their difficulties and would provide justice for them. When this selfless and pure man became leader of the nation, he gave a clear and unambiguous direction to the Himalayan problems facing India. Most important of them were poverty, religious conflict, exploitation, ignorance and colonization by the British. Non-violence does not mean making peace. On the other hand, it means fighting bravely and sincerely for truth and doing what is just”. Dr.K.Govindaraju appreciated the gesture of remembering the father of our nation on his birth day.Mrs.Maria lead Gandhi Jayanthi songs .A community lunch was organized in this community centre where hundreds of people from all walks of life participated. The Link Workers Scheme project functionaries took active participation in organizing the community dinner under the leadership of Mr.P.Subramani,DRP-T,Mrs.Elizabeth Mary,M/E Officer  and supervisors,Ramaraj,Rathinamary,Padma,and Revathy and the school teachers and functionaries. Teacher Mrs.Janathamani proposed vote of thanks.-Govin