Gandhi's mesmerising thoughts tied nation together: Naveen Patnaik

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi and former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri on their birth anniversaries on Wednesday. Noting that Gandhian values would remain relevant forever, Patnaik appealed to the people to work towards eradicating poverty, violence, injustice, and inequality. Remembering Lal Bahadur Shashtri, he tweeted, about his sheer dedication towards the nation and quoted his slogan, ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan’. 

Patnaik on Mahatma Gandhi 

Patnaik, while addressing the National Integration Conclave held on the occasion of the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, said that the Father of the Nation was not a political personality, rather he was a saint and a social reformer. "His mesmerising personality had tied the entire nation into one thread," Patnaik said, adding Mahatma Gandhi was the true symbol of national integration. 

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The chief minister said Mahatma Gandhi was fighting not only for independence, but he was also working towards nation-building. "We can solve many of our problems through adherence to the Mahatma's non-violence principles," he said. In the conclave attended by a large number of freedom fighters, the chief minister reiterated his demand of incorporating the word 'Ahimsa' (non-violence) in the Preamble of the Constitution. 

Read: PM Modi first to uphold Mahatma Gandhi's cleanliness principle: Shah

Thanked the freedom fighters and attended cleanliness drive 

He also thanked the freedom fighters for taking part in a signature campaign towards this demand. Earlier, Patnaik along with Odisha Governor Ganeshi Lal attended the Gandhi Jayanti celebrations held at the Odisha Assembly premises. The chief minister also visited a photo exhibition gallery at the Institute of Engineers and attended a cleanliness drive at Satyanagar area in the city. Several organisations, political parties, and individuals organised programs across the state on the occasion. 

Read: Mahatma Gandhi's 150th birth anniversary: Leaders Pay Tribute

Read: PM Modi pays homage to Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri on Oct 2