The younger generation should adopt Bapuji’s principles: Belagavi City Corporation Commissioner

Dignitaries with students who won prizes in the essay competition on Gandhi Jayanti at Veera Soudha memorial in Belagavi on Friday (October 2). | Photo Credit: P.K. BADIGER “The younger generation should learn about Bapuji’s principles and adopt them,’’ Belagavi City Corporation Commissioner Karthik M. said in Belagavi on Friday (October 2).“Mahatma Gandhi’s life and ideals continue to serve as a guiding light for society, and his very life stands as a message. All of us should accept and adopt principles like truth, non-violence, and simplicity into our lives,’’ he said.He was speaking at the event marking the 157th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, held at Veera Soudha memorial in Tilakwadi. The event was organised jointly by the district administration, zilla panchayat, the Department of Information and Public Relations, and the BCC.“Despite having numerous political opportunities, Gandhiji chose a life of simplicity. He secured independence for the country through the paths of truth and non-violence. He stands as a role model for the entire world. He advised everyone to read Gandhiji’s biography to understand his life and message. Cleanliness is the duty of every citizen. We must keep not only our minds clean but also the city and the surrounding environment,’’ he said.“True satisfaction comes from performing tasks that benefit society. There is a need to recognise and encourage the staff of the BCC who are dedicated to public service,” he said.Writer P.G. Kempannavar said that Mahatma Gandhi was a leader who propagated the message of peace and truth not only to India but to the entire world. He noted that Gandhiji became a role model for society by embodying values ​​such as truth, simplicity, sacrifice, and non-violence in his own life. “The role of family and women is significant in the lives of great achievers. The values ​​and upbringing instilled by his mother, Putlibai, profoundly influenced Gandhiji’s life. Students today should cultivate a spirit of sacrifice alongside patriotism,’’ he said.Dr. Kempannavar said that the simplicity, honesty, discipline, and patriotism of Lal Bahadur Shastri serve as ideals for everyone.Gurunath Kadabur, Deputy Director, Information and Public Relations, said Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals were eternally relevant for the whole world. The struggle he waged through the path of truth and non-violence has conveyed a significant message to the entire world. Soldiers play a vital role in the nation’s defence, and farmers make a crucial contribution by providing food for the country. Recognising this, Bahadur Shastri coined the slogan “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan”. His patriotism and simple lifestyle were exemplary, Mr. Kadabur said.Additional Deputy Commissioner Vijayakumar Honakeri released the special Janapada edition for the month of October, published by the District Department of Information and Public Relations, which focuses on the life and achievements of Mahatma Gandhi.Prizes were given to students who won an essay competition on Gandhiji. Vinayak More and his team presented renditions of bhajans.Dignitaries and officials from various departments were present at the event, including Mallikarjun Nayak (Deputy Director, Food and Civil Supplies Department), Kavita (Managing Director, Smart City), Vidyavati Bhajantri (Deputy Director, Kannada and Culture Department), and Mahantesh Murgod (Deputy Director, Horticulture Department).Centenarian freedom fighter Rajendra Kalaghatagi, Basavaraj Hattigoudar retired commander of Bharat Seva Dal, and district organiser Anil Pattar and Gandhian Sriranga Joshi were felicitated. Published - October 02, 2026 07:59 pm IST