Sudhanshu Sharma
Nurpur
The Department of Political Science at Government Arya Degree College, Nurpur (Kangra) celebrated Gandhi Jayanti a day in advance on October 1, 2026, as October 2 was a public holiday. The department organized an academic program titled “Reading Gandhi: Presentations on Mahatma Gandhi’s Original Writings”, which witnessed active participation from 133 students and faculty members.
The event was coordinated by Dr. Rohit Kumar, Assistant Professor of Political Science, who delivered both the introductory and concluding addresses. Dr. Kumar explained that the department chose to commemorate Gandhi Jayanti through study rather than ceremony, emphasizing that Gandhi should be honored by engaging with his own words rather than mere slogans or garlands.
Students presented analyses of Gandhi’s original works, including The Story of My Experiments with Truth, Hind Swaraj, and Constructive Programme, as well as articles from Young India, Navjivan, and Harijan. Presentations covered topics such as “Why Harijan” (Vijay), “My Experiments with Truth” (Antisha), “Why Not Simple Hindus” (Isha), “We Do Not Hate” (Ritesh), “Constructive Programme: Its Meaning and Place” (Nidhanshi), “My Life Is My Message” (Vivekita), “Tampering with Loyalty” (Prisha), and “Dr. Ambedkar and Caste” (Ankita).
In his closing remarks, Dr. Kumar stated that Gandhi’s writings remain intellectually alive and relevant, not mere historical relics. He urged students to read original sources directly, view Gandhi as a political thinker, and apply his ideas of truth, nonviolence, decentralization, and sustainable development to modern India.
The program concluded with a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and a vote of thanks. Faculty and students from various departments attended in large numbers, marking the event as a meaningful step toward promoting source-based learning among students.
