A REPORT ON

97th BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION OF THE FOUNDER &

65th ANNIVERSARY OF GANDHI NIKETAN ASHRAM
 

Every year on 30th July the workers of Gandhi niketan Ashram remembers its founder and the noble objectives for which the Ashram was found. It is a great opportunity for the workers to evaluate their activities and plan for the future. This year on 30th July we started the celebrations with a solemn morning prayer at the Gandhi Mandapam. Justice K. Venkataswami gave a moving speech on the noble services of the founder and stressed the need for strengthening the activities of the Ashram.
 

At 8.30am for the first time, a newly designed Ashram flag which bears the Ashram symbol was hoisted by Prof. R. Venkataswami. Every institution should have a symbol which will enshrine the ideals for which the institution strives for. The symbol of the Ashram was designed by the founding fathers of the Ashram.
 

Dr. V. Ragupathy explained the significance of the flap. The Charka represents the Indian freedom struggle and self reliance as propounded by Mahathma Gandhi. The plough signifies the role of the farmer in the building of our nation. The Lotus on water represents the practice of Karma Yoga without attachment. The Ashram has adopted this symbol in a saffron background as its flag which will be hoisted in all Ashram functions. In future, the Ashram flag will be hoisted in all the Ashram functions.

Later at 9am, the entire Ashram community assembled at the Founder’s Samadhi to offer floral tributes to the Founder. The solemn occasion was marked by a Bhajan and tributes to the Founder by the Ashram elders. Prof. R. Venkataswami in his special message praised the selfless service rendered by the Founder.

At 10.00am a Workshop on “Sustainable Agriculture” was organized for the benefit of the formers. 75 farmers from the surrounding villages participated in the workshop. Successful Agriculturists Thiru. Gomathinayagam of Puliangudi and Thiru. John Danaraj of Chennai, shared their rich experience with the participants.

Justice K. Venkataswami who presided stressed the role of agriculture in our country. Gomathinayagam a well known organic farmer was the key resource person of the workshop. He gave a practical and viable model for sustainable and prosperous farming based on his own personal experience. He stressed the need for a holistic approach to agriculture based on self-reliance and developing synergy with nature. The inputs for the agriculture must be locally generated. Effective use and recycling of locally generated resources are the key for success and prosperity in farming. If we bring large scale inputs from outside, the sustainability of farming can not be ensured.

He also explained different methods of generating local inputs like organic manure, bio-pesticides by effectively using the locally available resources. Change of life style suitable to the needs of farming is another key elements for successful farming. For livelihood needs farmers should work for self-reliance. Bio-gas, local food, and rural crafts have to be promoted and effectively used.

Mr. John Dhanaraj from Thiruthani area gave a lucid talk on successful farming with minimum water. He stressed the role of organic manure and pesticides in successful farming. Many of the participants expressed their interest in adapting the methods for the promotion of profitable and sustainable agricultural practices discussed in the workshop.

The main celebrations was started at 4.00 p.m. with a prayer and Ashram song. In his presidential address Justice K. Venkataswami, former Judge of Supreme Court of India recollected the contributions of Sri. G. Venkatachalapathy in the integrated rural development of Tamil Nadu. Some of the values developed by the founder in his childhood days will be a roll model for the younger generation.

Dr.Krishnaraja Vanavarayar, a leading Industrialist and Chairman, Baradhiya Vidya Bhavan, Coimbatore delivered the Founders oration in which he highlighted the need for the development of human resources. Young children are the hope for the Nation. So education plays the key role in Nation building. Apart from education, students must get orientation in values. Institutions like Gandhinikethan play a critical role in developing values among the younger generation. Sri Vanavarayar highlighted the significance of science and technology in development. He insisted that today’s youth must work hard to get the full benefits of the latest developments in science and technologies.

His thoughtful speech inspired the students. As a result the students have taken a pledge to follow the important doctrines of Gandhiji such as Truth, Non-Violence, Compassion, Patriotic Fervour, Sense of Secularism, Dedication, Simple Living and High Thinking etc., in their day to day life.

Sri. T. R .Dhinakaran, Chairman, Ramalinga Mills Aruppukottai distributed prizes to the school children and Ashram workers and honoured the retired teachers Mr. M. Abbas Ali, Mr. N. Sankaranarayanan and Mr. P. Jeyaprakash. He also distributed prizes to the best artisans.

In his address he emphasized the need for coordination between head, hand and heart. The State Bank of India gave prizes for some of the poor deserving students.

Dr. V. Raghupathy, Managing Committee member gave vote of thanks. With the National Anthem the function came to an end by 5.30pm.

A large number of villagers attended the function and participated in various programmes of the day. Thus 65th anniversary and 97th birthday of the founder was celebrated as a day of rededication by the Ashram community.

Ashram Song:
A poem in Tamil composed by the Founder in 40s of last century which enshrines Eighteen important constructive programmes for the upliftment of Rural community and take them to the attainment of Gram Swaraj. This poem will be the official song of the Ashram and all ashram functions will start with the singing of this song.