Sona Devi University honours Gandhi, Shastri on birth anniversaries
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK Jamshedpur, October 2: Sona Devi University, Ghatshila, observed the birth anniversaries of Mahatma Gandhi and former Prime Minister…
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Jamshedpur, October 2: Sona Devi University, Ghatshila, observed the birth anniversaries of Mahatma Gandhi and former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri with patriotic fervour, paying tribute to their enduring ideals of truth, simplicity, discipline and public service.
The programme, held at the Swami Vivekananda Auditorium, sought to acquaint students and members of the university community with the lives, ideals and contributions of the two national leaders and encourage them to incorporate their principles into everyday life.
The programme began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by Controller of Examinations Mithilesh Singh, accompanied by Vedic chants rendered by Sangeeta Choudhary, Head of the Department of Music.
Floral tributes were subsequently paid to the portraits of Gandhi and Shastri.
The programme was conducted by Neha Barnwal, a first-semester B.Tech CSE student.
Students actively participated in the event. Suman Kumari, a first-semester B.Tech CSE student, spoke about the ideals of Gandhi and Shastri, while Alisha Tudu, a first-semester Diploma Civil student, highlighted their lives and personalities. Sumanitra Kumari, a Diploma CSE student, presented a poem.
A special attraction was a soulful rendition of Gandhi’s favourite bhajan, “Vaishnav Jan To Tene Kahiye,” by Dr Sangeeta Choudhary, Assistant Professor, Department of Music. Her performance created a reflective atmosphere in the auditorium.
Gandhi’s Ideals and Shastri’s Simplicity Highlighted
Speaking on the occasion, Shivchandra Jha, Head of the Department of Political Science, said Gandhi’s philosophy of truth, non-violence and Satyagraha continued to inspire humanity.
He said Gandhi demonstrated that truth and non-violence were not merely moral principles but could also serve as instruments for social transformation and nation-building.
Jha also highlighted Shastri’s life as an example of simplicity, integrity, discipline and dedication to the nation. Referring to his famous slogan, “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan,” he said it continued to underline the importance of national security and agriculture.
He said such anniversaries should not be confined to remembrance but should also serve as occasions for introspection and renewed commitment. He urged students to embrace truth, discipline, self-reliance, a sense of duty and concern for the nation while combining education with social responsibility and humanity.
Education Linked to Character Building
Registrar Nit Nayna called upon young people to draw inspiration from the lives of Gandhi and Shastri.
She said Gandhi gave society a new direction through truth, non-violence and cleanliness, while Shastri exemplified leadership through simplicity, honesty and dedication.
She urged students to view education not merely as a means of obtaining a degree but as a tool for acquiring knowledge, building character and fulfilling their responsibilities towards society.
She also stressed the importance of cleanliness, social harmony, discipline and ethical values.
Universities Have Role in Nurturing Responsible Citizens
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Braj Mohan Pat Pingua said the lives of Gandhi and Shastri represented India’s democratic, ethical and humanitarian values.
He said universities had a responsibility not only to impart education but also to nurture responsible citizens capable of contributing meaningfully to society and the nation.
He emphasised that young people should develop moral education, sensitivity, discipline and social responsibility alongside technical and professional knowledge.
He called upon the university community to remain committed to cleanliness, social harmony, duty and national interest, while encouraging students to cultivate a positive outlook and a spirit of service.
The programme concluded with a closing address by Mithilesh Singh, who highlighted the objectives of the event and the significance of student participation.
Members of the university community and students subsequently pledged to uphold the ideals of Gandhi and Shastri and contribute actively to the development of society and the nation.
