J&K governor, CM pay tributes to Mahatma Gandhi

Jammu and Kashmir Governor N N Vohra and CM Omar Abdullah paid tributes to the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi on his 143rd birth anniversary.

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Governor N N Vohra and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah paid tributes to the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi on his 143rd birth anniversary.

The Governor, in his message on the eve of Gandhi Jayanti, recalled Mahatma Gandhi`s contributions to the struggle for the achievement of freedom from the colonial yoke, his sustained campaign against social injustice, racism and suppression of the under-privileged sections and his unending pursuit for establishment of a truly secular and harmonious society. Vohra described Gandhi as an apostle of peace and a staunch believer of non-violence whose sacrifices and teachings are indelibly imprinted on the global conscience. He said at this juncture, the most befitting tribute to the Father of Nation would be to re-invigorate and strengthen the bonds of communal harmony, brotherhood, amity and secular ethos, which are the essence of Gandhian values and philosophy. In his message, Omar said said that Gandhi symbolised secular and democratic India. He said Mahatma Gandhi throughout his life worked for amity and brotherhood between all sections of the society and fought for the upliftment of weaker and under-developed sections. Omar said the best way of paying tributes to Mahatma Gandhi will be that "all of us work for strengthening high principles of human dignity, secular traditions and brotherhood in the country". The Chief Minister also paid tributes to former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri and referred to his contribution to the welfare and development of the country and its people. PTI