SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Governor N N Vohra and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today paid tributes to the father of the national Mahatama Gandhi.
In a message, Mr Vohra recalled Mahatma Gandhi’s contributions to the struggle for the achievement of freedom from the colonial yoke, his sustained campaign against social injustice, racism and suppression of the under-privileged sections and his unending pursuit for the establishment of a truly secular and a harmonious society.
He described Gandhiji as an apostle of peace and a staunch believer of non-violence whose sacrifices and teachings are indelibly imprinted on the global conscience.
The Governor said at this juncture, the most befitting tribute which can be paid to the Father of Nation would be to re-invigorate and strengthen the bonds of communal harmony, brotherhood, amity and a truly secular environment, which are the essence of Gandhian values and philosophy.
Paying rich tributes to Mahatma Gandhi on his birthday being observed as Gandhi Jayanti in the country on October 2, Mr Abdullah said Gandhiji symbolises secular and democratic India.
He said Mahatma Gandhi throughout his life worked for amity and brotherhood between all sections of the society and fought for the upliftment of weaker and under developed sections.
Mr Abdullah said the best way of paying tributes to Mahatma Gandhi is that all of us work for strengthening high principles of human dignity, secular traditions and brotherhood in the country.
The Chief Minister also remembered Lal Bahadur Shastri and referred to his contribution to the welfare and development of the country and its people.
Lal Bahadur Shastri’s birthday also falls on October 2.
