Dear Bapu, I thank you for bringing change in our lives, your role in freedom struggle, your path of non-violence has not only enlightened Indians but have also left a mark on foreign nationals,” these words expressed by a teenage girl through a letter writing competition organised at an All India level by Postal Department nurtures the valuable teachings of Mahatma.
In spite of strong presence of digital medium, the letter writing competition titled ‘Dhaai Aakhar’ witnessed the participation of approximately, 13,000 youngsters from across the State, keeping the teachings of Bapu alive.
For the tribal heartland, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi celebrated this year has dual significance as October 2, 2017 also mark the completion of 100 years, when Mahatma Gandhi first came to Jharkhand. To mark the occasion, a special tribute was given to the ‘Father of the nation’ by the Postal Department, Jharkhand Circle. In the presence of Governor, Draupadi Murmu along with other dignitaries of Postal Department, Jharkhand Circle, a special postal cover enfolding the important events of Mahatma’s life was released here.
Also, along with the philately collection of Mahatma Gandhi, the rare collection of photos of Bapu covering his journey was displayed at the GPO for the masses. The photographs ranging from Gandhi addressing a public meeting at Karachi Congress Session, March 1931 to Mahatma Gandhi with Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru at the meeting of All India Congress Committee, Mumbai, August 8, 1942, the unique anthology gives the glimpse of pre-independence era to us.
Highlighting the ideology of Gandhi that primarily focuses on non-violence, promoting sanitation including rural development by making the village dwellers self-sufficient, uplifting cottage industries, Governor, Draupadi Murmu said, “Children must be told about the importance of October 2. Postal Department’s initiative of promoting letter writing on the topic ‘My dear Bapu, you inspire us’ is worth commendable as it reminds us about the valuable teachings of Gandhi. Every child must be made aware of Gandhi’s non-violence lesson.”
Also, appreciating the gesture of Uttar Pradesh CM, Yogi Adityanath on just not confining the day as merely a national holiday but to also take up some constructive activities to pay tribute to one of the world’s greatest visionary, the Governor also asked the Postal Department officials that have the reach even at the remotest areas to assist the government in skilling people.