By Pervez Bari, TwoCircles.net
Bhopal: With entire nation Madhya Pradesh would observed October 2 (Gandhi Jayanti) as International Day of Non-Violence. The Secretary, Culture has issued directives to all district collectors in this regard.
The draft of pledge to be taken on the occasion, sent by Government of India, has also been attached with the directives. The ]pledge programme would be held between 10.55 am and 12 noon.
On October 2, Prabhat Pheris and multi-faith prayers would be organized where favourites of Mahatma Gandhi including “Vaishnav Jan”, “Sermon on the Mount”, Ramdhun etc. would be sung.
Students and teachers would take a pledge “India of My Dream” on the occasion. Seminars, debates, symposia and lectures on Gandhiji’s life and work with special reference to his ideal of Non-Violence in today’s context would be organized. Students would be encouraged to do projects and make presentations on Gandhiji’s life and work. In institutions having Internet access students would also be encouraged to visit websites related to Gandhiji.
The observance of International Non-Violence Day marks the Centenary of Mahatma Gandhi’s Satyagraha Movement in South Africa. On the request of Government of India United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution to observe Gandhi Jayanti on October 2 as the International Day of Non-Violence. This historic Resolution was adopted without a vote and with a record co-sponsorship of 142 Member States.
Meanwhile, an English rendering of the pledge to be taken on the occasion is as follows: –
“I would endeavour to build an India where the poor would feel that this country belongs to them- and their voice in its construction matters. I would endeavour for such an India wherein there would be no discrimination between high and low and complete harmony would prevail between various communities. There can be no room for the curse of untouchability or liquor or other addictions in such an India. In the India of my dream women would have the same rights as are enjoyed by men. Our relations with the rest of the world would be based on peace. This is the India of my dream”. ([email protected])