Celebrating Gandhi Jayanti: A Unique Academic Tribute at Government Arya Degree College
A Day of Reflection on Gandhi's Teachings
Sudhanshu Sharma
Nurpur
On October 1, 2026, the Department of Political Science at Government Arya Degree College, Nurpur (Kangra) held a special event to honor Gandhi Jayanti a day early, as the following day was designated a public holiday. The department hosted an academic program titled “Reading Gandhi: Presentations on Mahatma Gandhi’s Original Writings”, which saw enthusiastic participation from 133 students and faculty members.
The event was organized by Dr. Rohit Kumar, an Assistant Professor of Political Science, who provided both the opening and closing remarks. Dr. Kumar highlighted the department's decision to celebrate Gandhi Jayanti through scholarly engagement rather than traditional ceremonies, stressing the importance of connecting with Gandhi's own words instead of relying on slogans or garlands.
Students delivered presentations analyzing Gandhi’s original texts, including The Story of My Experiments with Truth, Hind Swaraj, and Constructive Programme, along with articles from Young India, Navjivan, and Harijan. Topics discussed included “Why Harijan” (Vijay), “My Experiments with Truth” (Antisha), “Why Not Simple Hindus” (Isha), “We Do Not Hate” (Ritesh), “Constructive Programme: Its Meaning and Place” (Nidhanshi), “My Life Is My Message” (Vivekita), “Tampering with Loyalty” (Prisha), and “Dr. Ambedkar and Caste” (Ankita).
In his concluding remarks, Dr. Kumar emphasized that Gandhi’s writings continue to resonate and are not just historical artifacts. He encouraged students to engage directly with original texts, recognize Gandhi as a political thinker, and apply his principles of truth, nonviolence, decentralization, and sustainable development to contemporary India.
The program wrapped up with a heartfelt tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and a vote of thanks. The event attracted a significant turnout from faculty and students across various departments, marking a significant effort to foster source-based learning among students.