By IANS
New Delhi : With Mahatma Gandhi’s favourite bhajan “Raghupati Raghava Raja Ram” playing in the backdrop, and the path leading to the memorial laid with flowers, hundreds of people, both old and young, thronged Raj Ghat Tuesday to commemorate the 138th birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation.
The scene at Raj Ghat, even amid the flocks of people, was soothing to the senses.
For most it might have been the umpteenth visit to Raj Ghat. But there were many, especially among the younger lot, for whom this was their first visit.
“Although I am from Delhi, this is my first visit to Raj Ghat,” said 16-year-old Geetanjali Arora, who had come with her mother and sister.
“I have never had the time to bring my children to Raj Ghat. But this time I thought that it is absolutely necessary that they see this place. And what better day to bring them here than on Gandhiji’s birth anniversary?” said her mother, Anita Arora.
“In today’s world, we must try and inculcate Gandhiji’s teachings among the kids, only then will the world know peace,” she said.
Differing from her mother’s views, Geetanjali said that it is not always practical to abide by Gandhi’s teachings in today’s age.
“But we should do as much as we can. I loved coming here. It had a calming effect on me,” Geetanjali said.
“We might not think of Gandhiji in our everyday life, but I think that even if we think of him one day and try to abide by his teachings on that day, it is a good step,” said Shalu Gosain, who works in an NGO that supports underprivileged children.
Surrounded by nearly 10 enthusiastic kids, eager to chip in with their comments, Gosain said that moments like these, when kids get to see people talking about Gandhi, have discussions and use the spinning wheel, have a deep impact on their impressionable minds.
“I liked the spinning wheel… and also the samadhi (mausoleum) which was decorated with so many flowers!” chirped Vandana, one of the kids in the group.
And who was Mahatma Gandhi? “The Father of the Nation,” she replied immediately.
In the vast green lawns, under the shade of the trees and the shamiana (marquee), there were scores of people having animated discussions about Gandhi. Men in kurtas and in jeans, women in saris and burqas… the entire place was dotted with people.
A large number of foreign tourists also came clutching cameras to capture the mood of the nation on this day.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Home Minister Shivraj Patil, Defence Minister A.K. Antony, former prime minister I.K. Gujral, Minister of State for PMO Prithviraj Chavan and Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit paid floral tributes at Raj Ghat.
Indian-American astronaut Sunita Williams also visited Raj Ghat and paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi.