The Hindu : National : Mahatma’s teachings relevant even now, says Vasan

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Mahatma’s teachings relevant even now, says Vasan

J. Venkatesan

New Delhi: Mahatma Gandhi’s teachings on various aspects are relevant even now and should inspire the younger generation to follow his message, said G. K. Vasan, Union Minister of State for Statistics and Programme Implementation here on Wednesday.

Mr. Vasan was speaking at the Delhi Tamil Sangam after launching an exclusive portal on “Mahatma Gandhi biography” in 10 volumes being brought out by Varthamanan Publishers, Chennai.

The biography has been written by Gandhiji’s private secretary Pyarelal (who served him for 28 years) and his sister Sushila Nayar (Gandhiji’s family physician).

Previously published by the Navajivan Trust of Ahmedabad, it is now being brought out by industrialist Pollachi N. Mahalingam. Besides providing information about the biography, the portal, www.gandhibiography.net, will facilitate pre-publication orders for the 10 volumes.

Mr. Vasan said Gandhiji practised what he preached and he endeared himself with the masses through his simplicity and lofty ideals. He said according to Gandhiji “bad means should not be adopted even to attain good ends.”

Gandhiji’s life history and teachings should motivate the people and the biography would help towards that object.

Mr. Mahalingam said: “The teachings of Gandhiji are relevant today, especially in the present strife-torn world, afflicted by violence and materialistic pursuits. The need of the hour is to make the optimum use of the available resources. His political history is unique in ways, more than one. He demonstrated to the world the efficacy of his weapon of non-violence.”

He said the biography was being brought out in 10 volumes—Early phase; discovery of Satyagraha on the threshold; birth of Satyagraha; Satyagraha at work; India awakened; Salt Satyagraha the watershed; preparing for Swaraj; final fight for freedom. The last phase part 1 and 2—would be available in July.

Nanhini Azad, Member-Secretary, Independent Commission for People’s Rights and Developments, New Delhi; M.N. Krishnamani, President, Delhi Tamil Sangam; R. Mukunthan, Secretary; D. Elango, Director, Black and White Multimedia India, Coimbatore, and S. Varthamanan were among those who offered felicitations.

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