Agartala, Jun 30, 2023, TRIPURATIMES Desk

Agartala Jun 30: The mantra of non-violence, peaceful co-existence, non-discrimination and pluralism as preached by the Father of Nation, Mahatma Ghandhi is still relevant to us as it is never possible for a society to progress without these values.

Marking Mahatma Gandhi as the ‘Symbol of non-violence’, Tripura chief minister Dr Manik Saah on Friday unveiled the statue of the Father of Nation at Jogendranagar Renters Society set up under the initiative of Mahatma Research Foundation.

At the beginning of the program, a minute’s silence was observed to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in ‘Ulto Rath’ incident at Kumarghat.

Addressing the occasion, chief minister Dr Manik Saha said, “Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also unveiled the statue of Mahatma Gandhi at Hiroshima in Japan in presence of G-7 group of state leaders. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP party strongly believes in the ideologies of Mahatma Gandhi especially his preachings of non-violence”.

Dr Saha also said that Mahatma Gandhi was the leading figure of India's freedom movement.

“He emphasized the three principles of non-violence, satyagraha and swaraj in the freedom movement. Mahatma Gandhi's dream was that every village in India would be self-reliant and self-sufficient. Apart from campaigning against the British, Gandhi ji also campaigned for India’s poverty alleviation, women's freedom, establishment of brotherhood among different ethnic groups, elimination of caste discrimination etc. In all circumstances, Gandhiji stood firm on the principle of non-violence and truth.”, he said.

Claiming that the present government is working in view of public welfare while following the ideologies of Mahatma Gandhi, the chief minister said, “Gandhiji also laid importance on sports in developing individuality by instilling a sense of discipline in people”.

Meanwhile, Dy Speaker Tripura Legislative Assembly, Ram Prasad Paul said, “With the unveiling of the statue of Mahatma Gandhi, the day is a memorable day for the Renters society”.

Mahatma Research Foundation president Shyamal Chowdhury and vice president Nakul Das handed over a cheque of Rs. 25,000 for the Chief Minister's Relief Fund to Chief Minister Professor (Dr.) Manik Saha on behalf of Mahatma Research Foundation.

Tourism Minister Sushanta Choudhury, Agartala Municipal Corporation Mayor Dipak Majumdar, Law Secretary Biswajit Palit and others were present on the occasion.