Honouring the legacies of Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri.
The D.El.Ed. section of Nirmala Institute of Education commemorated Gandhi Jayanthi and Shastri Jayanti with a profound blend of inspiration, creativity, and reflection, paying tribute to the timeless legacies of Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri. The event unfolded as a vibrant celebration of values, echoing Gandhi’s words, “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.”
The program began with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp by Dr. Sr. Delia Antao, officiating Principal along with representatives from faculty and student community, symbolizing the triumph of knowledge over ignorance, and of hope over despair. This set the tone for an inspiring day while a meditative prayer drew the audience into a shared moment of unity, compassion, and spiritual introspection.
One of the highlights was a captivating shadow performance, which vividly depicted Mahatma Gandhi’s extraordinary journey from his childhood years to his pivotal role in India’s freedom movement brought to life, the struggles and sacrifices of the Mahatma in an evocative manner.
Complementing this was a thought-provoking documentary that delved into the cultural symbolism within India’s currency, creatively showcasing how these everyday objects narrate the story of the nation’s rich heritage, bringing into focus the essence of our identity as Indians.
Off stage, an exciting Wealth Out of Waste rangoli competition was organised, challenging the teams to create portraits of Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri using recycled materials. The competition not only celebrated artistic creativity but also underscored the importance of sustainability—values deeply aligned with Gandhi’s emphasis on simplicity and mindful living. The intricacy and innovation displayed in the portraits were remarkable, adding another layer of thoughtfulness to the day’s celebration.
The program continued with a modern-day skit, titled Hashtag – A Reality Check with Gandhiji in 2024 that stood out as a particularly poignant segment, reimagining Gandhiji navigating today’s socio-political landscape. The skit explored themes of corruption, inequality, and injustice, leading the audience to a powerful reflection on the state of our country today. The narrative urged the audience to question their own role in advancing the Ideals of justice and equity in the present society. To have a deeper effect of the skit and its purpose, it was followed by a contemporary dance that portrayed the shadows of despair and conflict in today’s world. The graceful yet intense movements symbolized a collective call for action, urging society to realize Gandhi’s dream of peace, harmony, and unity amidst modern-day chaos. The emotions conveyed in the dance deeply resonated with the overarching theme of the celebration.
The event culminated in a reflective dialogue between Gandhiji and Shastriji, imagined in a modern garden. The two visionaries exchanged thoughts on the enduring values of unity, service, and integrity, emphasizing their relevance in the context of present-day challenges. This thoughtful conversation left a lasting impression, stirring the hearts of all who witnessed it.
The celebration concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks, followed by the stirring rendition of the National Anthem.
This unforgettable event was meticulously organized by Mrs. Debbie Fernandes, History lecturer, whose vision and dedication brought every aspect of the celebration to life with insight and creativity.
