The Centre for Humanities and Compassion Studies, Xavier University, Bhubaneswar (XUB) began a two-day national conference on “Remembering Mahatma Gandhi: Compassion and Relevance for Our Times” here from Tuesday.

Inaugurating the event, Governor Dr SC Jamir spoke of the relevance of the Mahatma in today’s time, stating how his teachings are indestructible as the laws of gravity. Quoting the Mahatma himself, he said, “Hate the sin; love the sinner.”

Addressing the Xavier fraternity, former OSD SN Sahu spoke about the application of the Gandhian worldview in today’s world. Republic of Nigeria High Commissioner former Major General Chris J Eze illuminated on the impact of the Mahatma’s teachings and values across the globe, especially in the South African peninsula.

Odisha State Higher Education Council Vice-Chairman Dr Ashok Das, coming from the background of academia, elaborated on how the current education system, including the best of institutions have failed to produce job creators, instead of job seekers.

XUB students engaged in a debate on, “The Relevance of Gandhian Perspective”. The conference was conducted with the objective of commemorating Gandhiji on his 150thdeath anniversary in 2019; and included an Indigo

Dyeing Workshop and an enthralling Urdu recitation popularly known as “Dastangoi” on Gandhiji’s Sabarmati Experience. A cultural programme was also held on the occasion. Among others, Press Secretary to the late President of India KR Narayanan was present.