Gandhi 150: Special Lecture

On the occasion of the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, Father of our Nation, Kannada Sangha of St Aloysius College (Autonomous) in association with the Mangalore Chapter of Mahatma Gandhi Shanthi Prathistana organized a Special Lecture by the Eminent Gandhian, author and retired Regional Transport Officer, Dr Keshava Dharani.

The resource person delivered a lecture on the life of Gandhiji and his values emphasizing their utmost relevance in contemporary world.  He said that the Mahatma has the singular achievement of being an eternal role model who preached and lived a life of Ahimsa, non-violence. He attracted the attention of the entire world through his exemplary life and values. He referred to the last Viceroy of India, Lord Mountbatten who said that he saw a Jesus Christ in the Mahatma. He reiterated that the mahatma was convinced about the multicultural character of India and dreamed that all citizen of the country live like brothers and sisters and respect and celebrate diversity of the country.

Dr Ismail, Secretary of the Prathistana, in his introductory remarks expressed his concern about the Gandhian principles and ideals losing their relevance in the contemporary scenario. He said that the Peace Foundation has taken the responsibility to take these sublime human values to people through these lectures.  
The President of the Foundation, Sri Sadananda Shetty elaborated on the plans and targets of the Foundation to Popularize the Gandhian ideals.

Rev. Dr Praveen Martis, SJ, Principal and President of the Programme, in his address, explained the struggle of the Mahatma to understand and search for Truth his entire life. He said that Gandhiji practised what he preached and hence his life itself is a great message to the world. He urged the students to follow the ideals of the Mahatma and lead an exemplary life.

Dr Dinesh Nayak, President of the Kannada Sangha introduced the Chief Guest and welcomed the gathering. Ms Lakshitha Rai compered the programme and Ms Shamitha proposed the vote of thanks. Vice President of the Foundation, Sri Prabhakar Shriyan, HOD of Kannada department, Dr Saraswathi Kumari were present on the dais. Office Bearers of the Peace Foundation, Controller of Examinations of the College, Directors of different blocks, Deans, members of the staff, citizens of Mangaluru and secretaries and members of Kannada Sangha were present at the occasion.