All-religion prayers and invoking the Mahatma marked the celebrations of Gandhi Jayanti and World Non-Violence Day here on Saturday. Political parties and various organisations celebrated the birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation with much enthusiasm.
Governor H.R. Bhardwaj paid floral tributes at the Mahatma's statue at the Raj Bhavan before participating in an all-religion prayer. At the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) office, KPCC president R.V. Deshpande did likewise and urged partymen to follow the path of non-violence.
The former Prime Minister and Janata Dal (Secular) National president H.D. Deve Gowda participated in the celebrations organised by his party at the Malleswaram grounds. Mr. Deve Gowda, however, did not wish to talk politics after listening to the prayers. JD(S) leaders Abdul Azeem, R. Krishnappa, Vishwanath and Raghupathi were present.
Gandhi Smarak
At Hotel Lalit Ashok that houses the Gandhi Smarak, schoolchildren paid their homage to the Mahatma. P.A. Nazareth, former Indian Ambassador to South Africa, stressed on the power of non-violence and respect for all religions.
A 100-year-old pipal tree, Jyothi Vriksh, is part of the Gandhi Smarak inside the hotel premises.
The schoolchildren participated in a painting competition on Gandhiji's ideology.
Hotel general manager Ramiah Daniels thanked Mr. Nazareth, the Gandhians and the schools for their participation.
Books released
Meanwhile, the Centre for Gandhian Studies, Bangalore University, released two books — A Biography of Gandhian: B.P. Radhakrishna , written by J.K. Jamdar, and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's Influences on Mahatma Gandhi by Damodar Balwant Khoday.
The Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike observed the day by organising an all-religion prayer service.
Mayor S.K. Nataraj garlanded the Mahatma Gandhi statue on M.G. Road in the presence of the Deputy Mayor and former mayors among others after which the prayer service was held.
Cycle rally
The Sarvodaya International Trust, in collaboration with Focolare Movement, an international organisation that promotes universal brotherhood, came together to organise the Cycle for Love and Peace rally. Participants comprised people belonging to diverse age groups — from 10 year olds to 50 year olds — who cycled their way through M.G. Road, Queens Road, Cubbon Road and Residency Road, to spread the message of love, peace and harmony not only with people, but also with the environment
