HP Governor Honors Gandhi and Shastri, Urges Value Preservation
Himachal Pradesh Governor Kavinder Gupta pays floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri, emphasizing non-violence and integrity.
In a solemn tribute held in Shimla, the Governor of Himachal Pradesh, Kavinder Gupta, paid floral respects to Mahatma Gandhi and former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri on their birth anniversaries. Marking the 157th birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation and the 122nd birth anniversary of Shastri, the Governor emphasized that their core principles of simplicity, integrity, and selfless service remain vital for India's future.
A Legacy of Non-Violence
Speaking to the media following the tribute, Governor Gupta highlighted the profound debt the nation owes to Mahatma Gandhi. He noted that the democratic freedoms enjoyed by Indians today are a direct result of Gandhi's immense dedication and penance during the struggle for independence.
"Gandhi ji's 157th birth anniversary is an occasion to convey my greetings to all the countrymen," the Governor stated. He specifically pointed to the mantra of "Ahimsa Paramo Dharma" (non-violence is the highest duty), urging that these teachings be passed down to younger generations to guide the nation forward.
Gupta also added a modern perspective on peace, suggesting that while Gandhi's philosophy of non-violence is fundamental, a nation must also possess significant strength to protect that peace. He remarked that national strength is essential to ensure that no hostile entity can threaten the country's stability.
Remembering the Simplicity of Lal Bahadur Shastri
The Governor also turned his attention to the legacy of Lal Bahadur Shastri, recalling his decisive leadership during the 1965 India-Pakistan war. Gupta praised Shastri for setting an unparalleled standard in political life through his extreme simplicity and unwavering integrity.
"Lal Bahadur Shastri ji established himself as an ideal in politics. His simplicity and the standards he set for public life are an inspiration for us. The country still needs leaders of this kind," Gupta remarked, noting that Shastri's ability to maintain a modest lifestyle while holding the highest office in the land is a model worth emulating.
Reflecting on the tragic circumstances surrounding Shastri's passing in Tashkent in January 1966 following the Tashkent Declaration, the Governor expressed that it remains a painful chapter in Indian history, noting that questions regarding his death continue to linger in the public consciousness.
Dignitaries in Attendance
The commemorative event saw the presence of several prominent political figures, including:
- Himachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister
- Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur
- Former Congress state president Pratibha Singh
- Shimla Mayor Surinder Chauhan
The observance of October 2 coincides with the International Day of Non-Violence, a global recognition of Mahatma Gandhi's enduring impact on the world.