RICH TRIBUTES: Foreign students studying in the city pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi on the Martyrs' Day on Tuesday . -PHOTO: P. V. SIVAKUMAR

HYDERABAD: What text-books and history lessons could not do, the Bollywood film `Lageraho Munnabhai' could do to the younger generation. They now relate to and believe in the Gandhian principles.

And this became evident at an event organised by Sarvodaya International Trust, Andhra Pradesh chapter, here on Tuesday to pay homage to the Mahatma on his death anniversary.

"Honestly, I did not believe the principles of truth and non-violence would work. But after I watched `Lageraho... , I realised the greatness and relevance of Gandhian principles to bring reformation in the society. I too became a better person," said Ramya of Mahatma Gandhi Memorial High School.

For every Gandhian principle, students drew a parallel from the film and spoke how the characters in the film changed for the better by adhering to those principles. Jhansi, a high school student said she was impressed with the advice given in the film. "Accept your mistake and never repeat it."

Shraddha said, as rightly advised by Munnabhai in the film, rather than having statues everywhere, one should keep Gandhiji in his heart. Subhash said the film reinforced the need to take care of one's parents and senior citizens.

The film also showed corruption could be eradicated through non-violence.

There were some students who just narrated the biography of Mahatma. "Some did not understand the topic. Yet we are happy. They learnt many things about the Mahatma," said Ravi Chandra, organisor.

Paying homage

Scores of students from Afghanistan, Cambodia, Korea, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Mangolia, Palestine, Russia, Uzbekistan, Urkraine, Vietnam, Venezuela, Columbia, pursuing courses in CIEFL too were present on the occasion and paid homage to Mahatma.

Sarvodaya members Ramadevi, Rear Admiral Pastonji, Surendra Luniya, Vaman Rao gave away books written by Mahatma to participants.

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