By IANS,
Mumbai : Peace rallies and special programmes marked the 143rd birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi in Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra Tuesday.
Gandhi’s favourite ‘bhajans’ were played at all the programmes to pay tribute to his contribution to India’s freedom struggle.
At a special event at Mumbai’s Arthur Road Central Jail, 120 inmates took an oath to create the India of his dreams.
Organised by the jail authorities and Mumbai Sarvodaya Mandal & Gandhi Research Foundation, the programme started with an all-religion prayer followed by bhajans.
Jail Superintendent A.C. Rane appealed to the inmates to bring about a change in themselves.
“Plenty can be achieved in life by adopting Gandhiji’s teachings of truth and non-violence,” he said.
Rane told the inmates that they had a responsibility towards their families.
“Realise this and you will be able to change yourself.”
A peace marathon was also held in Mumbai, in which hundreds of school and college students participated.
In a Sevagram Ashram in Wardha, a ceremony was held to pay tribute to Gandhi.
Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee president Manikrao Thakre garlanded the Mahatma’s statue.
A cross-country cycle rally for peace and non-violence, passing through the Thane and Mumbai stretch, also saw participation of hundreds of students from Mumbai and adjoining areas. The rally ended at Azad Maidan in Mumbai.
On the occassion, students of Somaiya College in Mumbai with civic officials flagged off a week-long Anti-Spatter Drive to reduce littering in public spaces.
Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation Mayor Sunil Prabhu with the students also took out a silent march on the issue.
Gandhi’s anniversary is also celebrated as the International Day of Non-Violence.
Gandhi was born this day in 1869 in Gujarat and assassinated in New Delhi Jan 30, 1948.