Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 01 October 2024
Andaman and Nicobar Islands will join the rest of the nation in celebrating the 155th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation, on October 2, 2024. The central event will take place at Gandhi Park in Port Blair at 8:15 AM.
Admiral DK Joshi, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd.), Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Vice Chairman of the Islands Development Agency, will lead the ceremony by offering floral tributes at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi. Following the tribute, students and teachers from the Education Department will recite the famous Gandhian hymns “Vaishnav Jan To Tene Kahiye Je” and Ramdhun, reflecting the ideals of non-violence and compassion that Gandhi stood for.
A two-minute silence will also be observed to honour the memory and contributions of Mahatma Gandhi. As part of the celebrations, a cleanliness drive (Shramdaan) will be conducted across all wards of the Sri Vijaya Puram Municipal Council (SVPMC) from October 1 to 7, 2024. This initiative is in line with Gandhi’s lifelong commitment to sanitation and community service.
In addition, the administration has issued an appeal to the general public, urging them to refrain from slaughtering animals, killing birds, fishing, and consuming alcohol on this solemn day. To honour Mahatma Gandhi’s values of peace and non-violence, October 2nd will also be observed as a “Dry Day” across the islands.