02/10/2026
The Mahatma Gandhi Memorial College, Udupi, celebrated Gandhi Jayanti & Shastri Jayanti through its Gandhian Study Centre. The programme began with Ramdhun Bhajans and interfaith prayer rendition by our students.
The Gandhi Jayanti Lecture was delivered by Mr. O. R. Prakash, Reader, Government College of Teachers Education, Mangalore.
"Today, October 2nd, marks a significant day as we observe Gandhi Jayanti on Mahatma Gandhi’s 157th birth anniversary, that is commemorated as the International Day of Non-Violence. We also honor former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri on his 122nd birth anniversary. He was deeply inspired by Gandhi and followed the Gandhian values.
Gandhi’s unwavering commitment to truth, non-violence, and Sarvodaya paired with Shastri’s iconic call of 'Jai Jawan Jai Kisan', reminding us of unity, courage, and simplicity, continue to guide and inspire our nation today. Their words, actions, and teachings guide us by instilling values in us." 🇮🇳
REPORT OF THE EVENT
*Gandhi Jayanti and Shastri Jayanti Celebrated at MGM College, Udupi*
Udupi: While the world frequently reflects on Mahatma Gandhi’s leadership during India’s freedom movement, equal attention must be given to his transformative years in South Africa, where a young Gandhi matured into a visionary leader whose principles remain timeless models for youth today. This view was expressed by Sri O. R. Prakash, Reader at the Government College of Teacher Education, Mangalore.
Delivering the Gandhi Jayanti Lecture - 2026 at the joint celebration of Gandhi Jayanti and Shastri Jayanti, organized under the auspices of the Gandhian Study Centre at MGM College, Sri Prakash emphasized that Gandhi demonstrated how legal practice, journalism, social service, community organizing, and humanitarian movements should function. Enriching his talk with several compelling anecdotes of cases handled by Gandhiji, the chief guest highlighted how the 23-year-old Lawyer resolved disputes through ethical conciliation to spare clients from unnecessary burdens. He organized the Indian diaspora against discrimination and indentured labour system. He became the strong support for their collective voice, founded the method of Satyagraha, and published his paper 'Indian Opinion' in four languages including Tamil. The Chief Guest gifted the books authored by him to the College Library. One book is on Gandhi in South Africa. He handed over the books to the Principal.
Speaking on the life and principles of Lal Bahadur Shastri, Vice Principal Dr. Vishwanath Pai M shared two examples from Shastriji's life, illustrating how his simplicity, integrity, and values must serve as a guiding light across all walks of life, including the present day politics.
Dr. Devidas S. Naik, Principal of MGM Evening College, spoke on the enduring significance and relevance of Gandhian philosophy in contemporary society.
Smt. Malathi Devi, Principal of MGM PU College, shared her reflections on the inspirational lives and values of Gandhiji and Shastriji
In her presidential remarks, Principal Dr. Gayatri G. Pai urged the student community to deeply understand and internalize the core values championed by both Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri. She called upon the students and faculty to actively adopt and practice the essential lessons of cleanliness in the campus and in their daily lives.
The event commenced with a rendition of Gandhiji’s favorite bhajans by students under the guidance of Dr. Vasumathi Bhat, Head of the Department of Sanskrit and Convener, Fine Arts Club.
Vinith Rao, Coordinator of the Gandhian Study Centre, delivered the introductory remarks, welcomed the gathering, and proposed the vote of thanks. Suchith Kotian, Head of the Department of Journalism, compered the program.