Gandhi Darshan in 50 more schools

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Gandhi Darshan programme of the Kerala Gandhi Smarak Nidhi (KGSN), being organised as part of the two-month-long Gandhi Jayanthi celebrations, has already covered 10 schools in the city. In the days to come, KGSN authorities hope to take the programme, which dwells on Gandhian philosophy and skill development, to 50 more schools.  The KGSN is presently conducting the programme in Kasargod too, where it has already covered 25 schools. ‘’Building a tension-free society is the aim of the programme, which focuses on the younger generation who can imbibe the message quickly. The programme gives an idea on the principles spread by Gandhiji and on his vision of a good society,’’ said a KGSN official. In the school assembly, Gandhians get together and speak on the programme. A Gandhian literature exhibition and khadi and village products exhibition are also conducted on the school premises on the first day. On the second day, essay and quiz competitions are held for the students. They are made to plant seedlings on the school compound.  The programme also aims to form peace cells in schools, whereby students are selected as ‘shantidooths’ (peace carriers) to propagate what they learned. During the launch of the Sarva Dharma Bhavan on the Gandhi Bhavan compound here, around 100 peace carriers from various schools were inducted into the Gandhian philosophy.  As part of the programme and by hosting the exhibitions, KGSN aims to foster skill development in children. The khadi products exhibition stresses on the need to be self-sufficient and on the importance of using ‘desi’ products to build ‘desi’ brands. The literature exhibition aims to create a liking in children to the writings and life of Gandhiji or, at least, to the ideals he stood for.