Gandhi Hill Hosts 157th Gandhi Jayanti Celebrations in Vijayawada

Members of the Gandhi Hill Foundation (GHF), Vijayawada, and the Andhra Pradesh Gandhi Smarak Nidhi (APGSN) paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Gandhi Hill in Tarapet, behind Vijayawada Railway Station, on Friday.

The programme formed part of the 157th Gandhi Jayanti celebrations held at the hill.

The organisations also conducted competitions for schoolchildren to familiarise the younger generation with Gandhian principles and values.

Gandhi Hill’s place in Vijayawada’s history

GHF chairman Gandhi P.C. Kaza said Gandhi Hill occupied a significant place in Vijayawada’s history as a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi and his association with the freedom movement.

Recalling Gandhi’s visit to Vijayawada, Mr. Kaza said the Mahatma had addressed people and inspired them to participate in the national movement.

The hill is marked by a prominent statue of Gandhi and houses memorials and facilities dedicated to his life and philosophy.

Mr. Kaza said Gandhi Hill had traditionally been a venue for Gandhi Jayanti programmes and activities highlighting the values of truth, non-violence and social responsibility.

He said the hill was not merely a monument but also a reminder of Vijayawada’s contribution to the freedom struggle and Gandhi’s call for ordinary citizens to participate in the national movement.

Foundation’s role in preserving the memorial

The Gandhi Hill Foundation, established in 1968, manages the Gandhi Memorial Stupa, museum and library.

The foundation has been undertaking efforts to restore the facilities on the hill and revive the memorial as a centre for Gandhian thought, education and public engagement.

The school competitions held during the celebrations added an educational component to the programme, linking the memorial’s public role with efforts to familiarise children with Gandhian principles and values.

Former Chief Vigilance Commissioner of the Government of India K.V. Chowdary, IIT-Hyderabad Director B.S. Murthy and Efftronics Systems Pvt. Ltd. CEO D. Ramakrishna spoke on the occasion.

GHF vice-chairman Jandyala Shankar, APGSN vice-chairman D. Chakrapani and GHF secretary Y. Ramachandra Rao also spoke at the event.

Source: The Hindu