Gandhi: A Symbol of Peace, Harmony and Joy

NONVIOLENCE, TRANSCEND MEMBERS, 15 Feb 2016

Dr Ravi P Bhatia – TRANSCEND Media Service

Mahatma Gandhi was a man of peace both in his lifetime and death. 30th January is observed as Gandhi’s day of martyrdom since he was assassinated in New Delhi on this date in 1948 by a fanatic who felt that Gandhi was working against the Hindu faith.

This day is observed faithfully by the Indian government. The main function is performed at the Raj Ghat where the Prime Minister and his ministers and other dignitaries assemble and pay their respects. To commemorate Gandhi’s efforts at interfaith harmony and amity, there are also brief discourses by religious leaders of different faiths. A few bhajans (religious songs) that were dear to Gandhi including the well-known Raghupati Raj .. are also sung with joy and gusto.

There is a Gandhi Bhawan (Gandhi House) in the University of Delhi which as the name suggests, carries out various activities related to Gandhi’s life and teachings for the benefit of students and teachers throughout the year.

The two days related to Gandhi’s birth and death, 2^nd October and 30^th January respectively are also celebrated with a large number of activities such as skits, songs, painting competitions and small anecdotes of Gandhi’s life. Incidentally 2^nd October is now celebrated worldwide as the International day of non-violence.

As usual this year’s celebrations in the Gandhi Bhawan of Delhi University consisted of brief speeches, songs and skits by a large number of students of a few colleges of the University. Students of one school which is part of the University, were also present to perform a small skit on Gandhi’s life. The school is a middle level school – in other words students up to Class 8 only study there.

About fifteen students of this school mostly girls in the age group 8 to 12 were also present in the Bhawan. Dressed in beautiful clothes, faces colourfully painted these young students were sitting and waiting for their turn to perform. They were chatting and smiling and enjoying themselves.

When I asked a young student who was Gandhi, she quickly answered :

“Our Rashtra Pita (Father of the Nation)”

“Do you like him?”

“Yes, we all love him”

“Do you know why we all love him?”

The girl giggled in reply. Other students who were sitting nearby and who had heard my question also smiled and giggled.

Although I did not giggle I felt a sense of peace and joy sitting there and observing these youngsters dressed in their finery and without a worry on their faces. Looking at them I felt that yes, Gandhi was a man of peace, indeed. The world remembers him as a man of NV and religiosity, but for the children gathered in this Gandhi Bhawan he symbolised peace, harmony and joy.

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Dr Ravi P Bhatia – Educationist and Peace Researcher. Retired Professor, Delhi University. ravipbhatia@gmail.com

This article originally appeared on Transcend Media Service (TMS) on 15 Feb 2016.

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