The birth anniversaries of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation, and former Prime Minister of India, Lal Bahadur Shastri, were celebrated with reverence, respect, and a spirit of patriotism at the Swami Vivekananda Auditorium of Sona Devi University, Ghatsila. The objective of the programme was to acquaint students, teachers, and members of the university fraternity with the lives, thoughts, ideals, and invaluable contributions of the two great national leaders towards nation-building, and to inspire everyone to imbibe their principles in their daily lives.
The programme commenced with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp by Controller of Examinations Mr. Mithilesh Singh. On the occasion, Dr. Sangeeta Choudhary, Head of the Department of Music, recited Vedic mantras. This was followed by floral tributes being offered to the portraits of Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri. The programme was anchored by Neha Barnwal, a first-semester B.Tech. CSE student.
Students also participated actively in the programme. Suman Kumari, a first-semester B.Tech. CSE student, delivered a brief speech highlighting the thoughts and ideals of Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri. Alisha Tudu, a first-semester Diploma in Civil Engineering student, spoke about the lives and personalities of the two great leaders. Sumitra Kumari, a Diploma in CSE student, presented a poem that added an emotional and meaningful dimension to the programme.
On the occasion, Dr. Sangeeta Choudhary, Assistant Professor, Department of Music, presented Mahatma Gandhi’s favourite devotional hymn, “Vaishnav Jan To Tene Kahiye.” Her soulful rendition touched the hearts of everyone present in the auditorium.
Dr. Shiv Chandra Jha Describes the Ideals of Gandhi and Shastri as the Foundation of Nation-Building
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Shiv Chandra Jha, Head of the Department of Political Science, said that Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of truth, non-violence, and Satyagraha continues to inspire humanity across the world. Through his thoughts and actions, Gandhi demonstrated that truth and non-violence are not merely moral values but also effective means of bringing about social transformation and nation-building. He made cleanliness, self-reliance, Gram Swaraj, social harmony, and human values the foundation of life.
Dr. Jha said that the life of Lal Bahadur Shastri is an outstanding example of simplicity, honesty, discipline, and dedication to the nation. Rising from a humble background to the highest office in the country, Shastri conveyed through his conduct that integrity, hard work, and character are a person’s true wealth. His famous slogan, “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan,” continues to underline the importance of national security and agriculture.
He further said that the birth anniversaries of great personalities are not merely occasions to remember them, but also days for introspection and making a commitment. He urged students to embrace the values of truth, discipline, self-reliance, dedication to duty, and national interest, while making social responsibility and humanity an integral part of their lives alongside education.
Registrar Dr. Nit Nayana Calls Upon Youth to Follow the Ideals of the Great Leaders
Registrar Dr. Nit Nayana, in her address, said that Mahatma Gandhi gave a new direction to society through truth, non-violence, and cleanliness, while Lal Bahadur Shastri set an example of ideal leadership through simplicity, honesty, and dedication.
She said that it is extremely important for today’s youth to draw inspiration from the lives of these two great personalities. Education should not be viewed merely as a means of obtaining a degree; rather, it should serve as a means of acquiring knowledge, building character, and fulfilling one’s responsibilities towards society. She urged students to incorporate cleanliness, social harmony, discipline, and moral values into their lives.
Vice-Chancellor Emphasizes the University’s Responsibility to Create Responsible Citizens
Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Braj Mohan Pat Pingua said that the lives of Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri represent the strong foundation of Indian democratic, ethical, and human values. He stated that the responsibility of universities is not limited to providing education; they must also prepare responsible citizens who can play an active role in the development of society and the nation.
He said that in the present era, young people must develop not only technical and professional knowledge but also moral education, sensitivity, discipline, and a sense of social responsibility. The ideals of Gandhi and Shastri remain relevant even today for nation-building and the overall development of society.
He called upon the university fraternity to remain committed to cleanliness, social harmony, dedication to duty, discipline, and national interest, and urged students to develop a positive outlook towards society and a spirit of service.
In the next phase of the programme, Controller of Examinations Mr. Mithilesh Singh delivered the concluding address, highlighting the objectives of the programme, the active participation of students, and the continued relevance of the ideals of the great national leaders.
At the conclusion of the programme, members of the university fraternity and students took a pledge to follow the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri in their lives and to make an active contribution to the development of the nation and society.
