Mahatma Gandhi is an embodiment of self-discipline and a source of inspiration for many because he practised what he preached and followed the path of non-violence to achieve what he wanted, AU Vice-Chancellor G.S.N. Raju has said.
At a felicitation organised by Pinakini Satyagraha Ashram, Nellore, to honour descendants of Digumarthi Hanumantha Rao and his wife Digumarthi Bucchi Krishnamma, founders of the ashram, at Ba Bapu Bhavan here on Monday, he said that it was a noble initiative to rope in great people and honour them for their contribution to society.
The venue wore a festive look as several Gandhians gathered there to share their views and recall their association with Bapu. Clad in ivory-coloured Khadi sari, senior advocate Digumarthi Saraswathi Devi, who was honoured at the programme, said that she still had the ‘thakili’ (device used to spin the yarn) presented by Mahatma Gandhi when she was seven years old. Racharla Samrajyam, a 97-year-old Gandhian, Maya Devi, a social worker who continues to help the needy, Suseela of Gouthami Satyagraha Ashramam, Sitanagaram, were among those who were honoured. This apart, those who continue to follow Gandhian ideals and pass on his values to the next generation were also felicitated.
Gandhian K.S. Sastry, president of Praja Spandana C.S. Rao, former Vice-Chancellor of Acharya Nagarjuna University V. Balamohandas, former Vice-Chancellor of AU K.V. Ramana, director of Centre for Policy Studies A. Prasanna Kumar, convenor of Pinakini Satyagraha Ashram Krishna Reddy and other members, including Raviprolu Subrahmanyam and K.V. Subrahmanyam, spoke.
