Shekhawat begins visit from Gandhi Ashram
Vice-President Bhairon Singh Shekhavat, who began his three-day visit to the State with a visit to the Gandhi Ashram on Tuesday, said if Gandhiji’s principles were followed they would help to solve many burning problems in the country.

Shekhawat, later talking to the media, said: ‘‘This is not my first visit. I have visited Gandhi Ashram in the past. Gandhi Ashram has also provided me the desired inspiration. Hence, I visit the Ashram to get inspiration. I love to come here as this is the very place which is closely associated with Gandhiji. My message to the countrymen is to follow the footsteps and ideology of Gandhiji.’’

Earlier, Shekhawat, who arrived by a special Indian Air Force plane, was received by Governor Kailashpati Mishra, Chief Minister Narendra Modi, his Cabinet colleagues and Mayor Aneesa Mirza. During his visit, the Vice-President would unveil the portrait of freedom-fighter Vir Savarkar in the Gujarat Assembly on Wednesday and also visit Rajkot.

Amrut Modi, Secretary of Gandhi Ashram, said that Vice-President, after coming to the Sabarmati Ashram, had also visited the Vinobha Bhave Kutir. After this, he went to the guest house where Gandhiji had stayed. Shekhawat then went to Hyriday Kunj where he paid homage to the Mahatma. During his visit, he informed the ashram trustees that he was a frequent visitor to the Ashram and every time he visited the Ashram he had a different experience.

Modi said the trustees also gave information to the Vice-President about the various activities of the ashram, which he lauded and said other trusts should also follow the footsteps of the Gandhi Ashram.

In the visitor’s book, Shekhavat wrote: ‘‘I am honoured by visiting the Gandhi Ashram. May the principals of Gandhiji keep on guiding us. These are my wishes. I offer my prayers to the Mahatama.’’

Republished from The Asian Age