Mahatma Gandhi motivated women to take part freedom movement. Gandhiji’s spouse Kasturba also had her contributions in this regard and is being revered for her sacrifices and her active participation in freedom fight, said Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy Chairperson Janaki M Brahmavar.

She was speaking as the chief guest at the death anniversary of Mahathma Gandhi, observed as Martyr’s Day organised by Mahathma Gandhi Shanthi Prathisthana at Tagore Park in Mangaluru on Friday.

She further said that the fight of Gandhi was a form of decent anger, emerged after he became the victim of apartheid in South Africa.

He retaliated in his own way, with the weapon of non-violence. His Sathyagraha was capable of causing tremors in English Senate, she said.

Another chief guest Karnataka Theological College, Balmatta, Principal Hani Cabral felt that if  the harmony is to be reestablished in society, non-violence should be practiced.

For Mahathma Gandhi, truth was the religion. Gandhi taught that we have to forgive others, he said. He meanwhile lamented that violence is exaggerated in media nowadays.

Sanmarga weekly sub-editor Shaukath Ali said that Gandhi was responsible for the upliftment of dalits. Through the concept of Gram Swaraj, he gave the idea of self reliance to the villages.

Today Gandhi’s values are being murdered. even though Gandhi is being insulted in social network sites, the secular leaders are not opposing it.

Mahathma Gandhi Shanthi Prathishthana Secretary  N Ismail lamented that Gandhi is kept far from the system of education, social life and politics. It is unfortunate that the assassinator of Gandhi is worshiped by some group of people.

Martyrdom Day is also observed by the Prathishthana as Harmony Day, he said.

Prathisthana President A Sadananda Shetty presided over. Balmatta Government Primary and Pre University College students sang Bhajans.