66th Gandhi Mela exhibition begins

Special correspondent

SILCHAR, Jan 31: The 66th Gandhi Mela exhibition began at rsing Higher Secondary School playground here in the memory of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the tion and the frontline freedom fighter. In fact, this mela is dedicated to pay homage and respect to the great son of the country. The iugural function was held on the occasion on the playground presided over by Neharendra rayan Thakur, chairman of Silchar Municipal Board, and graced by Kabindra Purkayastha, former union minister and MP, as well as other distinguished persolities.

 Speaking on the occasion, Kabindra Purkayastha,  recalling his association with RSS since 1953 when the organization was banned, said firmly RSS was never involved in the murder of Gandhiji. It was a well-orchestrated vilification campaign by the opposition. Rather, he referred to the then RSS chief M S Golwalkar who was on record to say that Mahatma Gandhi was a pride of our country and it was for his leadership and non-violent struggle that the country was united and liberated from the British Imperialism.

 Niharendra rayan Thakur said all out efforts would go to bring back the glory of Gandhi Mela and this would be also an attempt to perpetuate the memory of Gandhiji. It would therefore be important to ensure that proper sanctity and decency are maintained.

In order to bring them back, Thakur has moved the district administration so that apart from different state government establishments, LIC, ONGC as well as IOC also come forward to add charm to the mela. No charge will be levied on these organizations for taking part in the mela. It would be a exhibition of 45 days and it usually takes some days for the mela to settle down and draw crowd.