While joining the world to pay tributes to apostle of Peace Mahatma Gandhi, the Gandhi Global Family (GGF), J&K - A UN-DPI organization, celebrated 147th birth anniversary of father of nation along with 112th birth anniversary of 2nd Prime Minister of India, Lal Bahadur Shastri here today.In this connection a mega function was organized at historic Dewan-e-Aam, Mubarak Mandi in collaboration with various government and private schools of Jammu city, and civil society organizations under the aegis of United Nations Information Centre(UNIC), New Delhi in which people from all walks of life including school children participated and paid floral tributes to these great leaders.Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Dr. Pawan Kotwal in his address said that Mahatma Gandhi’s ideology is becoming more and more relevant in the present times and there is urgent need to follow his principles which is the key to world peace. He also underlined the contributions of Lal Bahadur Shastri.Divisional Commissioner also appreciated the efforts of Gandhi Global Family which has now become a movement for carrying forward the mission of Gandhi ji for promoting sustainable peace and harmony.
Dr. Kotwal was honoured with Mahatma Gandhi Seva Medal by Gandhi Global Family for his outstanding service towards the society on this occasion.Divisional Commissioner Jammu, honoured Rohit Khajuria, Executive Director Mubarak Mandi Complex Heritage Society, Dinesh Gupta, Regional Secretary Red Cross, Jammu, Surinder Gupta and Sidharth Mehta both social activists with UN-India Connect Pin for their exemplary service towards the society.Children from various schools presented cultural programmes on the occasion. Lawrence Public school offered an all faith prayer and Doon International School performed a skit on the life of Mahatma Gandhi. Kumari Priya administrated oath for peace while a team of artists led by Jeavan Sharma from Information Department enthralled the historic Dewan-e-Aam with Gandhi Bhajans.Earlier, in his welcome address, Padmashri S.P. Varma, President GGF-J&K, appraised the gathering regarding the activities under taken and future plans of Gandhi Global Family.
He said Gandhian Society which originated from Dewan-e-Aam(Jammu) in the presence of Padma Vibhushan Dr. Nirmala Deshpande is working all over the nation and has presence in other 45 countries. This year UN has affiliated GGF in the field of peace and assigned the responsibility to promote UN 17 sustainable goals for next 15 years (2016-2030) as its partner.Dr. Ashwani Jojra Founder President Sahayog India, ably conducted the proceedings of the programme whereas Wing Comdr.(Rtd) M.M.Joshi presented the formal vote of thanks. Prominent who paid floral tributes were Dr. Mammohan Singh, Municipal Commissioner, Jammu, DR. C.M. Seth, Eminent Environmentalist, S. Narinder Singh, Former Director Information, S. Ajit Singh, Chief Sant Nirankari Mission, Jammu, Shuja Zafar, Dr. Ashaq Malik, Vijay Magotra, Ghulam Nabi Tantrey, S. Ram Singh, Bimla Slathia, Sanjay Vohra, Sanjay Kundal and Prabha Slathia.