Chief Minister Raman Singh launched two-year-long celebration to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Father of Nation, Mahatma Gandhi in Chhattisgarh on Tuesday.

The State Government has coined the event as ‘Karyanjali’.

On the occasion of the birth anniversary of Father of Nation, Singh launched the event by releasing the ‘Karyanjali’ booklet at Kankalipara based historical ‘Anand Samaj Library’ premises in Raipur.

He also dedicated the 23,600 square feet Keyur Bhushan premises and Gandhi Bhawan constructed at a cost of Rs 2.88 crore by Public Works Department (PWD). The premises would be used for Khadi and village industries based activities.

The Chief Minister during the programme also dedicated 16 ‘Bapu ki Kutia’ (Bapu’s Cottage) constructed by Raipur Municipal Corporation in capital city at a cost of Rs 2.32 crore.

Each cottage is equipped with television, carom, chess and other sports facilities for senior citizens. The cottage would be operated by civil societies.

He also dedicated ‘Neki to Gaadi’ (Charity Vehicle) and also launched the weekly ‘Pustak Daan Mahotsav’ (Weekly Book Donation Festival) for libraries.

Singh announced financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh for the ‘Anand Samaj Library’. The importance of Anand Samaj Library is that in year 1920, in the library premises, during the freedom movement, Father of Nation, Mahatma Gandhi had addressed a large gathering.

The Chief Minister on the occasion also gave away the first National Award constituted by State Government, Mahatma Gandhi Memorial National Award to Gandhian 90-year old Prof (Dr) Prabhudutt Kheda.

On the occasion, Singh also felicitated best sanitary staff under different zones of Raipur Municipal Corporation. Freedom Fighter and Padmashree Mahadev Prasad Pandey, ministers, officials and others were present.