If you believe in Gandhian philosophy, you have the opportunity to pay tributes to the Father of the Nation on his birth anniversary in a unique way by spinning the wheel or Charkha that the great freedom fighter used to make homespun cotton.
The Archeological Survey of India (ASI) on the occasion of the Gandhi Jayanti has put up 15 Charkhas at historic monument Jantar Mantar in the national Capital, offering visitors a chance to spin cotton by hand on the spinning wheel.
“This is the perfect way to pay tribute to the great leader. The charkha, or spinning wheel, is the physical embodiment and symbol of Gandhi’s constructive program. The Charkhas have been provided by Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti. On the occasion Swacchata programmme has also been organised,” said an official from the ASI.
In fact, a string of events are being held across the country to disseminate Mahatma Gandhi’s message of non-violence to mark the Gandhi Jayanthi. The Ayush Ministry, for instance, will kick-off a 48-day long series of webinars from October 2 to rekindle the Gandhi’s thoughts on health and nutrition.
The National Institute of Naturopathy (NIN) in Pune in association with the Regional Outreach Bureau Maharashtra and Goa of the Information and Broadcasting Ministry will organize these webinars themed “Mahatma Gandhi- The Healer” that will conclude on Naturopathy Day, on November 18, said an official from the Ministry.
Likewise, a district branch (301) of Inner Wheel Club, an international women’s organisation working in various countries, is orgnaising a virtual event, ‘Charkha’, as a tribute to the Bapu showcasing ramp walks on Khadi, documentary on weavers and restoration and revival of heritage heirlooms, shared Club’s District Secretary (301) Mala Rishi.
The Noida Authority too will launch ‘Trash to Treasure’ and ‘Bin to Beauty’ initiatives to mark the Gandhi Jayanti. Stakeholders like residents, social groups and others will make and install artworks out of all kinds of waste, including plastic, at city parks, green belts and other recreational areas, inforned Ritu Maheshwari, Chief Executive Officer of the Noida Authority.