The Vice President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, recently visited the historic Gandhi Ashram in the capital city of New Delhi for the inauguration of the Mahadev Desai Library Extension. During the visit, the Vice President also visited the Kasturba Museum, where the quarters for Mahatma Gandhi along with Kasturba Gandhi had been during their visits to the capital in the 1930s and 1940s. The Vice President spoke of the experience being very emotional, where a very simple kitchen and dwelling area was a strong symbol of the freedom fighters’ simplicity and indomitable will.
In his address to the gathering, the Vice President emphasised that the expansion of the library goes beyond its physical structure, as it serves as a reminder that knowledge remains the most effective tool for social change. He discussed Mahatma Gandhi’s transformation in his decision to wear only a loincloth after witnessing the extreme poverty of Indian farmers. The switch was symbolic of Gandhiji’s lifetime dedication toward aligning with the masses and toward Swadeshi to break the colonial cycle of exportation of raw cotton to Manchester and sale of value addition to Indians.
Shri Radhakrishnan lauded the Harijan Sevak Sangh, describing it as a seed planted by Gandhi that has successfully fought social evils like untouchability through education and service. He asserted that a person’s character rather than their birth defines their worth. He cited the example of former President Shri K. R. Narayanan, whose educational journey received significant support from the Sangh. He expressed confidence in the Sangh’s ability to nurture individuals of conscience who contribute to nation building.
The Vice President also paid tribute to Gujarat’s contribution to India, highlighting three pivotal figures: Mahatma Gandhi for freedom, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel for unity and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for development, and released the book Age of Enlightenment: Mahatma Gandhi’s Vision by Prof. Dr Sankar Kumar Sanyal alongside floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi, Thakkar Bapa and Vinoba Bhave.
