Proud to be from Mahatma Gandhi's land: KCR at Swatantra Bharata Vajrotsavam

HYDERABAD: Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao paid glowing tributes to Mahatma Gandhi on Monday and said that all Indians should feel proud as those from the land of Mahatma Gandhi. He addressed the gathering at the inaugural ceremony of the 'Swatantra Bharata Vajrotsavalu' here, a 15-day-long initiative to commemorate the 75th year of India's Independence. The celebrations will be held across the state.

"The struggle for India's independence from British rule, which lasted for over 200 years, was filled with sacrifices by many people. We, as Indians, should feel proud that we were born in the same land as the great Mahatma Gandhi. With his level of education, he could have worked anywhere, he was a great advocate too. However, he came to India for the people and led the struggle for freedom.

"Many leaders, like Barack Obama, Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela have taken Mahatma Gandhi as an inspiration. He was the man who spread the non-violence motto across the globe. The independent India that we are in today was created after he and many others with him, fought for the people of the country. As public representatives, it is our duty to keep aside all selfish agendas and serve the public and help them with all that we can just like Mahatma Gandhi and other freedom fighters did," said KCR.

The Chief Minister said that after the formation of Telangana, the State made a huge progress in many sectors, representing the true meaning of independent India.

He congratulated Nikhat Zareen for winning a gold at the Commonwealth Games and said that this was her gift to Telangana before the Independence Day celebrations.

KCR said that the idea behind these celebrations was for every child of the new generation to know the hardships faced by the freedom fighters to give the Indians a free land. He urged the officials to host the events in all the districts with full vigour.

He elaborately presented how today's Indian map was not formed overnight. "Kashmir became a part of India in October 1947. In September 1948, Hyderabad, where we are right now, was integrated in India. In November 1954 Pondicherry, in December 1961 Goa and on May 16 1975 SIkkim, became a part of India. It was the effort by great leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel that made India into what it is today," he said.

KCR also said that true independence would be felt when that was eliminated. He asked everyone to step forward and do good to the society. True freedom is attainable only when everybody does good to the public, he added.

The 'dwisaptaham vajrotsavalu' (celebrations for a fortnight) would start from August 9 and go on till August 22 in all districts of the State. Find the schedule below:

August 9 – Over one crore national flags, made in Telangana, will be distributed to households. Internationally acclaimed film 'Gandhi' will be screened across 552 screens and 20 lakh children are expected to watch this.

August 10 – Under 'Harithaharam' freedom parks will be inaugurated. Saplings will be planted across the state.

August 11 – At 6:30 pm, officials from all headquarters of all mandals will do a freedom run.

August 13 – Rallies will be held in all mandals where tricolor balloons will also be released.

August 14 – Cultural events will be held across the state.

August 15 – Independence Day events, flag hoisting.

August 16 – 'Jateeya geetalu' (patriotic songs) will be sung across the State.

August 17 – A Statewide blood donation camp will be organised.

August 18 – Sports competitions will be conducted where youths of the State can participate.

August 19 – Food distribution camps across the state.

August 20 – 'Intinta Rangoli', a rangoli making event will be held.

August 21 – Special Assembly meetings would be held in all constituencies.

August 22 – Grand finale in LB Stadium where officials from all districts will participate.