The birth anniversaries of Mahatma Gandhi and the former Prime Minister lal Bahadhur Shastri were enthusiasticaly celebrated across the district on Monday with the cleanliness drive remaining the hallmark of the celebration.
While the District Magistrate Sushil Kumar hoisted the national flag in the collectorate premises the students of the local institutions staged prabhat pheris to mark the day. The main procession started at Agency Chowk and ended in the collectorate premises after it crossed Mall Road, bus station and Dhara Road. Aside from the cleanliness drives, the District Sports Department organised a cross- country race in different categories for junior and senior children.
Besides, fruits were distributed among the patients in the district hospital. Ram Dhun and patriotic songs were presented by the students of Government Girls Inter College.
After unfurling the tri-colour, DM Sushil Kumar exhorted the people to follow the ideals the two legendary leaders embodied. “The ideals they personify are still very much relevant for the youth to follow,” he said. “Mahatma Gandhi remained wedded to non- violence till his last breath. He strove hard to remove the detestable practice of untouchability from the societal life. Besides, he personified a clean life and a clean country. The urge for cleanliness should come from within,” he added. Additional district magistrate Ramjee Sharan Sharma also addressed the gathering.