Glowing tributes were paid to the father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi on his 143rd birth anniversary today. A series of functions were organised across the country to mark the occasion. In the national capital, the main function was held at his samadhi at Rajghat where an all religion prayer meeting was held.
It was among others attended by President, Vice President and Prime Minister apart from top leaders of national political parties. A function was also held in the Central hall of Parliament where the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, Sushma Swaraj paid floral tributes to the apostle of peace. An exhibition on Gandhiji and textiles of peace was thrown open to general public on the occasion. The exhibition has been organised by National Archives to showcase khadi till 11th of this month. Another exhibition portraying the activities of Gandhiji in South Africa also began.
In Gujarat, the birth place of Mahatma, it was observed as non-violence day. Special programme including all religion prayer meeting was held at Kirti Mandir in Porbhandar. The state government has started a campaign to spread the message of total prohibition among the people on Gandhi Jayanthi.
In Rajasthan, an ambulance service was launched today. The objective of the service is to provide safe motherhood and better health care to infants in remote and rural areas.
In West Bengal, a special programme was organised at Barackpur Gandhi Ghat.
Functions were held in other parts of the country on the occasion.
The U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki Moon said in a message that working together to build a world of non-violence and lasting peace will be a befitting tribute to Gandhi. The day is being observed as international day of non-violence.
Tributes were also paid to former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri on his 108 birth anniversary. The President Mr. Pranab Mukherjee conferred the prestigious Lal Bahadur Shastri National award for excellence in public administration, academics and management to Ms. Tessy Thomas at a function in Rashtrapati Bhawan. The award was given for the year 2012 to the key scientist at DRDO for her oustanding contribution in the development of missiles in the country.
