Mysore/Mysuru: Stating that Mahatma Gandhi was a great humanist, University of Mysore (UoM) Vice-Chancellor  Prof. G. Hemantha Kumar said that Gandhiji travelled around the globe spreading the message of non-violence and truth.

He was speaking after inaugurating ‘Azadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav’ programme organised jointly by the Centre for  Gandhian Studies, UoM and NSS Wing of UoM, at Gandhi Bhavan premises in Manasagangothri here on Mar. 12.

The ‘Azadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav’ is a series of events organised across the country  by the Government of India to commemorate the 75th anniversary of independence, which was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmadabad, Gujarat, on Mar. 12.

The Mahotsav was launched as part of the commemoration of  91 years of Dandi March (Salt Satyagraha).The Mahotsav is a 75-week celebration of the 75th year of Indian independence.

Pointing out that the Mahotsav is organised to commemorate the 91st anniversary of the famous Dandi March (1930), Prog. Hemantha Kumar said that the University has organised the programme based on the Prime Minister’s suggestion to conduct the programme at all Universities across the country.

The replica of ‘Gyarah Murti’ statue, depicting Gandhi’s iconic Dandi March of 1931, at Gandhi Bhavan was garlanded on the occasion. Former Commerce faculty of UoM Prof. Yeshwant Dongre delivered a special lecture on the occasion. 

UoM Registrar Prof. R. Shivappa, UoM NSS Programme Co-ordinator Dr. M.B. Suresh,Gandhi Bhavan Director Prof. M.S. Shekar, Gandhian K.T. Veerappa and others were present.