On the occasion of the martyrdom anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, being observed today, 30th January, the Department of Political Science of Maharashtra College of Arts, Science and Commerce Mumbai, took an unique and historic opportunity to extend a warm welcome to Honorable Rajmohan Gandhi, the grandson of Mahatma Gandhi.
Mr. Rajmohan Gandhi who is a renowned and widely acclaimed historian, biographer and a researcher, is in Mumbai to participate in various programmes organised to observe Mahatma Gandhi’s death anniversary.
The initiative to organize the programme in Maharashtra College on Wednesday, 29th January, 2020, was taken in association with Mr. Firoz Mithiborewala, a well-known activist and Mr. Salim Alware, an Educationist working in the State of Maharashtra. The programme began with a brief introduction by Prof M. Z. Shahid, incharge of Department of Political Science followed by a welcome speech by the Principal Dr. Sirajuddin Chougle. Dr. Chougle.
While felicitating Mr. Rajmohan Gandhi, Dr. Chougle termed the presence of Mr. Gandhi in the college of immense significance and historic value. The opportunity to interact with the grandson of Mahatma Gandhi was part of an unforgettable memory of the institution on the “issues of Communal Harmony, the Role of Students and teachings of Mahatma Gandhi”,
Rajmohan Gandhi dwelt on the social and political crisis being faced by our country.
Mr. Gandhi who is currently Professor at the College of Education at the University of Illinois in US, made an attempt to peep into the past through the window of history and then relate them with what was happening at he present time.
Even as disapproving the evil design of the forces to divide the country on religious lines and create a dangerous wedge between the Hindus and the Muslims, he termed it harmful for the entire country. He also appreciated the citizens’ movement launched all over the country to oppose CAA, NRC and the NPR. He especially mentioned about the women of Shaheen Baugh in Delhi who have emerged as heroes of our times and became symbol of peaceful resistance being replicated all over the country. Mr. Gandhi, suthor of more than a dozen books, talked about his book “Understanding Muslim Mind” published in 1987. He emphasised some of the teachings of Gandhi and said that the country belongs to the Muslims and other minorities as much as it belongs to the Hindus. While opposing the unjust policies and laws, he affirmed that it is an important aspect of democracy, and that we must not nurture hatred towards anyone. After his brief talk with the students, to he invited them to put questions before him. The question answer session went on for a long time. Both teachers and students exhibited their intellectual curiosity and put many questions to the 84 year old Mr. Gandhi who answered them with lot of interest and energy. Prof Haji Kalania, General Secretary of Khairul Islam Higher Education Society also spoke on this occassion. The programme ended with vote of thanks by Vice Principal Dr. Abdul Majid Ansari.
News Edit by K.V. Raman
