Nations urged to shun path of violence

By Our Staff Reporter

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, OCT. 2. The need for upholding Gandhian ideals in the context of the preparations for war against Afghanistan was stressed by speakers at various functions organised in connection with the Gandhi jayanthi celebrations in the city today.

Inaugurating a function organised by the State Government at the VJT hall, the Congress leader, Mr. K. Karunakaran, MP, said a nation cannot gain control over another by adopting violent methods. Peace would dawn only if nations abandon the arrogance of having weapons.

He urged politicians to discharge their duties without fear and not to misuse political power. Reacting to the recent student violence in the city, he said violence cannot provide a solution for the problems of the youth.

The Chief Minister, Mr. A. K. Antony, stressed the need for developing a mass movement against violence especially among the students. It is not fair on the part of a party, organisation or a community to thrust their view on other sections. The urge for conquering everything in the world would only lead to violence. The problems in society should be settled through peaceful discussions, he said.

The Finance Minister, Mr. K. Sankaranarayanan, inaugurated a photo exhibition of Gandhiji and his life while a Khadi exhibition was inaugurated by Mr. K. Mohankumar, MLA. The Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Mr. M. M. Hassan, also spoke.

The Chief Minister inaugurated the Social Solidarity week celebrations organised by the SC/ST Welfare department at the Kanakakkunnu palace in the evening. He said religious leaders had a major role to play in the present world when the world is getting ready to witness a war.

He said that social solidarity and peace would prevail in society only when the religious leaders join hands with the social and political leaders for settling the problems.

Globalisation and liberalisation has gained importance in the present world. A country cannot progress by ignoring these aspects. Globalisation and liberalisation should be used for providing better living conditions for the poor, he added.

The SC/ST Welfare Minister, Dr. M. A. Kuttappan, the CSI Bishop, Dr. J. W. Gladstone, the Palayam Imam, P. K. Hamsa Moulavi Farooqi, Swami Lokahithananda and the SC Development director, Dr. Rajan Ghobragade, also spoke.

Inaugurating the State level golden jubilee celebrations of the Rural Development Department at Peroorkada today, Mr. Antony stressed the need for implementing more poverty eradication programmes in the State with the aim of providing better living conditions for the downtrodden. Though the State has progressed in several aspects, failure of agriculture due to various factors has caused several hardships for the people below the poverty line. Under such circumstances, the Government would do all possible help for the successful implementation of various programmes for rural development, he said.

In the morning, the Chief Minister and noted singer, K. J. Jesudas, lighted several candles along with school children as a symbolic gesture for world peace at the Gandhi park grounds after offering floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi. The Chief Minister urged the students to uphold Gandhian ideals in their life and emulate the life of Gandhiji. He also urged the students to wage a "war against war".

Mr. V. S. Sivakumar, MP, the Ministers, Mr. M. M. Hassan and Dr. M. A. Kuttappan and the KPCC president, Mr. K. Muraleedharan, MP, also lighted candles with the children.

The KPCC president, Mr. K. Muraleedharan, the DCC president, Mr. N. Peethambara Kurup, the Chief Minister, Mr. A. K. Antony, Ministers and MLAs took part in the prayer meeting organised at the KPCC headquarters at Indira bhavan. Floral tributes were also offered at the portrait of Mahathma Gandhi.

Wreath-laying and pledge-taking was organised at the War memorial at Palayam by the Kerala Exservicemen league in connection with the celebrations. A large number of freedom fighters and exservicemen took part in the programme.

The Kshema Social Circle of the State Bank of Travancore also organised its Gandhi jayanthi celebrations at the Gandhi park grounds. Freedom fighter, K. E. Mammen, inaugurated the celebrations. Speaking on the occasion, he urged the people to come forward to fight against corruption and violence in society.

The Mahila Swasth Sangh of the Health department organised a prayer meeting at the Martyrs column. A photo exhibition for creating awareness against wars and pledge-taking was organised at the same venue by the Deseeya Balatharangam in the evening.

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : Southern States
Previous : AI directed to compensate passenger
Next     : Unplanned growth blamed for high toll in disasters