Mahatma’s family walks in his footsteps

His mantra on peace and non violence still acts as a guiding principle for many across the globe. And as a way of promoting his crusade for peace, Mahatma Gandhi’s family is taking the baton of his philosophy across the world by holding rallies and conferences for terror victims and appealing for universal peace.

Bapu’s grandson Arun will lead a rally in Washington DC to highlight peace and non-violence on September 11, the fifth anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Centre in which more than 2,700 people were killed. On the same day in Mumbai, his son Tushar will pay homage to the 200 victims of the July 11 train blasts.

Incidentally, September 11 is also the day on when Bapu, whose 137th birth anniversary will be celebrated next month, started his first non-violent campaign against racial discrimination in South Africa in 1906. His family also wants to draw attention to this peace campaign.

‘‘The terror attacks in America and Mumbai have shown that violence will not take us anywhere. Peace and non-violence are the only solutions. We will hold small gatherings to propogate Gandhian philosphy,’’ said Tushar, speaking to the Indian Express from Delhi.

He added, ‘‘We will be paying homage to the people who lost their lives in the Mumbai train blasts. Mahatma believed in peace and non-violence and by gathering at his statue, we will be showing solidarity with the families of those who died due to the act of terrorism or violence.’’

The day-long gathering will also witness troupes performing street plays on social issues, satyagrahs and other movements like jan andolan. The gathering will bring together peace activists, environmentalists and other civil human rights activists from across the country

Source: Expressindia.com