Media release
News and pics : Jitha Gonsalves
Udupi, Oct 2: The 150th birthday of the 'Father of our Nation', Mahatma Gandhi was celebrated on Wednesday, by Barkur Educational Society, Barkur, at National Junior College.
NJC principal, Kotraswamy welcomed all the guests. Renowned politician, A G Kodgi was the chief guest of the function. B Shantharam Shetty, president of Barkur Educational Society, presided over the function.
Vittal Shetty, vice-president of Barkur Educational Society, welcomed all the guests and introduced the chief guest.
An introductory speech was given by Seetharam Shetty, the secretary of BES. He briefed about the history of Barkur Educational Society and elaborated on its plans.
The programme was inaugurated by the chief guest by lighting the lamp. He gave detailed information about Gandiji in his speech- The discrimination he faced in South Africa, struggle against British, SALT satyagraha, Dandi Yatre, his simple life, non-violence and truthfulness, fight for social equality, along with examples.
Later, Dr B M Somayaji talked about Ghandiji's childhood, his mischief during his school days. He stressed on Gandhiji's non-violence, moral values and integrity which should be our inspiration. Mahatma was inspired by Shravana Kumara and Sathya Harish Chandra.
B Shantharam Shetty said in his presidential remarks that even we cannot become a Mahatma Gandhi, but we can still inculcate his good thoughts and sincerity in our life.
Later, everyone who gathered there took a pledge led by Kotraswamy to keep one's surroundings clean.
The vote of thanks was proposed by Krishna Hebbar, treasurer of BES.
All the members of BES including the committee members, correspondents of five units, teaching and non-teaching staff and students of all the five units of Barkur Educational Society were present.
Later, a grand procession was held from NJC to Batte Vinayaka Temple. A boy dressed up as the Mahatma was the center of attraction.
All the students shouted slogans very enthusiastically of Mahatma Gandhi and pictures of Mahatma Gandhi were held high, heedless of the hot sun. Cold drinks were provided by the authorities of Batte Vinayaka Temple to all the participants.