India vice-president hails Gandhian values at Harijan Sevak Sangh event
POLITICIANS and faith leaders in India last week marked 90 years of the Harijan Sevak Sangh, which was set up by Indian freedom icon Mahatma Gandhi.
Established by Gandhi in 1932, the Harijan Sevak Sangh works to improve the lives of under privileged people.
Among those attending the event in Rishikesh, north India, were India’s vice president Jagdeep Dhankhar Partmath Niketan Ashram president His Holiness (HH) Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswati (HH Pujya Muniji), founder of Sulabh International Bindeshwar Pathak and Harijan Sevak Sangh president, Sankar Sanyal.
The gathering was held ahead of Gandhi Jayanti, the birth anniversary of the Mahatma, which falls on Sunday (2).
India’s vice president said, “Mahatma Gandhiji is not just a name; he is a philosophy and a way of life. He has inspired generations and will continue to inspire more. By following his principles, we will be able to serve humanity. Gandhian thought can help resolve today’s challenges – conflict or climate change.”
He added, “Gandhiji was open to other’s point of view and this is an important part of living his philosophy. If we have the attitude that our’s is the only way, that is never healthy for growth and progress. That is why we are committed to developing a healthy ecosystem, exploring every talent and exploits every potential.”
HH Pujya Muniji said the vice president exemplified Gandhian values.
“He is the sangam (confluence) of vichar, vyavahar and sanskar (thought, behaviour and culture), illustrating how the hardships of leading a farmer’s life can become an inspiration.”
He added, “Gandhian culture is not to dominate anyone. India is not going to be superpower because it dominates others, but it continues to motivate others and is on the way to leading as a vishwa guru (world leader).
“Gandhian principles were put in practice when India took the task of vaccinating everyone, but the true vaccine for our nation and against all challenges is living Gandhian thoughts and values. It is important now that as Gandhians we live his teachings, apply his principles; it is not merely enough to wear khadi, but we must also do the karma (the action).”
HSS president Sanyal said, “Mahatma Gandhiji wrote the Constitution of Harijan Sevak Sangh for the upliftment of the marginalised and vulnerable communities.”
The inaugural session began with a Gandhian prayer by school children studying at the ashram, followed by a lamp lighting ceremony.