Vinith Rao, researcher and programme in-charge at Gandhian Studies Centre, MGM College, Udupi, said on Friday that Udupi should carry forward Gandhiji’s ideas, thoughts and ideals.
He was speaking on ‘Gandhiji's visit in Udupi’ at a function organised by the Department of Information at the Vartha Bhavan here, to mark the centenary of Gandhiji’s first visit to the State.
Mr. Rao said that public opinion should be formulated by using gentle ways. Efforts should be made to promote sustainable development. These thoughts of Gandhiji were relevant for all times.
Gandhiji visited the State 18 times. He visited Udupi for the first time on February 25, 1934. Gandhiji was then 67 years old and he had come to collect donations for his Harijan Fund and for flood victims of Bihar. He arrived at Mulki at 2.30 p.m. on that day. From there he came to Kaup, then Udyavara and finally Udupi.
When Gandhiji was trying to cross the river at Udyavara, there was competition among boatmen to ferry him. Gandhiji then told the boatmen that he would travel with those who would give up alcoholism.
Gandhiji was welcomed by the philanthropist late Haji Abdulla Saheb in Udupi. He then inaugurated the khadi shop of late Kadabettu Srinivas Pai. On the same day, he addressed about 6,000 persons at Ajjarkadu grounds here and spoke against untouchability. He also exhorted the youth to “stand up for truth at any cost”, according to reports published in The Hindu dated February 28, 1934, and the journal ‘Rashtrabhandu’, he said.
Mr. Rao said that Gandhiji visited Kundapur on the same day and addressed a public meeting there. He observed a day of silence on February 26 and then left for Karwar in a steamer on February 27.
It was necessary to identify the areas which were visited by Mahatma Gandhi in Udupi district and put up information plaques there. The landmarks where he visited and stayed should be identified and protected, Mr. Rao said.
Singer Ganesh Gangolli sang bhajans. A photography exhibition on Gandhiji was also organised.
Dakshina Kannada district Kannada Sahitya Parishat president Pradeep Kumar Kalkura inaugurated the celebrations in Mangaluru in the presence of Badriya College principal Ismail and department assistant director Khader Shah. Mr. Kalkura exhorted the younger generations to imbibe the ideals of Mahatma and build a strong nation.
