A symbol of association with Bapu!

AFTER A long hiatus of 58 years, history repeated itself on Sunday. However, the entire scenario was different. Instead of the silent mourning interrupted by occasional sobs, this time the crowd was filled with a sense of responsibility and determination to initiate a new tradition.

AFTER A long hiatus of 58 years, history repeated itself on Sunday. However, the entire scenario was different. Instead of the silent mourning interrupted by occasional sobs, this time the crowd was filled with a sense of responsibility and determination to initiate a new tradition.

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'Gandhi Smriti Vahan' finally rolled on the road on Sunday. The same vehicle which carried the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi from Allahabad Railway Station to Sangam on February 12, 1948 took the historical journey again from Tulsi Smarak crossing, Civil Lines, to Allahabad Museum.

Prominent personalities of the city, students, freedom fighters and other citizens gathered at the venue to participate in the event. The vehicle was embellished with flowers and the portraits of those national leaders who had attended the event earlier added to its significance from historical point of view. Commissioner Dr Lalit Verma initiated the event.

With the 'Vahan' in the middle of the procession, there was another vehicle following it in which the singers were seated who rendered the bhajans of Mahatma Gandhi and Ram dhun. The students of Girls High School presented the song 'Lead kindly light'. Occasional comments by Dr Anand Kumar Srivastav on the way to the final destination was helpful in imparting details for those who had little idea about its significance and purpose of the event.

Besides there were also the volunteers of NSS, Allahabad University, who held the banners which carried the slogans about 'Resurrection of Gandhian Values'.
The procession culminated at Allahabad Museum where a seminar was organised based on the topic 'Relevance of Gandhi in the present scenario'.

Speaking on the occasion Prof RK Varma recalled the days of his childhood when he was witness to the event. "Prominent national leaders such as JL Nehru, Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel, GB Pant, Sarojini Naidu and others joined the procession of Gandhi's ashes.

The scene was heart-rending at that time. But today we have come up with a different procession with the purpose and determination of resurrection of Gandhian values which has become quite important. The vehicle was kept under the custody of Allahabad Museum since long and with the efforts of media, UPSRTC and other organisations, the vehicle has been reconditioned to take to the roads. We will also arrange an event on October 2 in which the vehicle will be used again", he said.

Another speaker Prof Banwari Lal Sharma said we actually need to concentrate on what Gandhi desired. "Gandhiji was against the satanic culture which is again spreading its tentacles", he said.

In this context he referred to the suppressive attitude of USA which is involved in killing thousands of innocents to rake out the information about a single militant. "We have no option except to follow the ideals of Gandhi", he added. Dr Sri Ram Lal, Prof Amar Singh, Prof Anandi Prasad Srivastava and Prof Vinod Chandra Srivastava were other speakers.

Mangalacharan was performed by Raj Narayan Tripathi. Chief guest was Justice AK Yog and the guest of honour were Ramesh Chandra Tripathi, former secretary-general of Rajya Sabha and Umesh Sinha, MD, UPSRTC. The event was presided by Justice (rtd) Prem Shanker Gupta. Special guest was Commissioner, Dr Lalit Verma.

Dr SK Sharma, director, Allahabad Museum conducted the event.