Summary:
BHUBANESWAR: From organising seminars on Gandhi ideology in educational institutions to developing Gandhi Circuit, the Naveen Patnaik government has planned two-year long programme to celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.A committee headed by chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday decided to turn the event into a mega affair. Various departments would also earmark special budget for the purpose.Speaking at the first meeting of the committee for celebration of 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on May 2, Naveen had proposed to amend the Indian Constitution to include ‘Ahimsa’ in the preamble as a mark of tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. The state assembly has recently also passed a resolution in this regard. Also, a grand meeting will be organized in Cuttack on March 23 to commemorate Mahatma Gandhi’s maiden visit to the state on March 23, 1921.To popularize Gandhian ideology among students and youths, seminars will be organised in schools, colleges and universities. Besides, schools on Gandhian thought will also be set up in various state varsities.A special session of the state assembly is also planned to discuss principles and ideology of Gandhiji.The Eternal Gandhi Peace Centre near Khandagiri jointly developed by the state government and the Aditya Birla Group would come up in January, next year.It would impart knowledge on non-violence..