Date:04/06/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/06/04/stories/2008060461011100.htm

Andhra Pradesh

A tribute to the Mahatma

Staff Reporter

VIJAYAWADA: A spirit of Gandhism pervaded every nook and cranny of Gandhi Hill on Monday, as Ghazal singer Srinivas paid a musical tribute to Mahatma Gandhi by crooning a song on the Father of the Nation in 100 different languages.

The programme was organised by Lanco Light to enable Srinivas to stake claim in the Guinness Book of World Records.

The venue atop the hill witnessed a flurry of activity as VIPs, most of them clad in white-and-white, began to descend and occupy their seats.

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The melodious tune of Vaishnavajanato tene kahiyeje…., Bapu’s favourite bhajan, played in the background setting a perfect tone for the special evening.

Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Minister Mandali Budha Prasad said it was a fitting tribute to the Mahatma. Complimenting Mr. Srinivas, the Minister said he had been using his singing talent to fulfill a social cause.

The aim of the event was to propagate Gandhian ways and revive the lost glory of the Hill that had a great significance associated with it.

Andhra Pradesh Hindi Academy Chairman Yarlagadda Lakshmi Prasad said it was a meaningful event, which would shift the world’s attention to this secluded Hill that was visited by not just Gandhiji but many other great leaders in the past.