2nd October More than a Public Holiday - Celebrating Deeds, Not Just Words
Born in Porbandar, Gujarat, India, on 2nd October 1869, a revolutionary Indian lawyer, social activist, politician, writer, architect of non-violence, and leader who followed the principles of non-violence till his last breath against British Rule, Mahatma Gandhi,also known as Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi,is not only our idol but someone who has given us lifelong learning.
As a shy and honest child, he was influenced by stories emphasizing truth and non-violence. He completed his early education in Rajkot and went to London in 1888 to study law at the Inner Temple, becoming a barrister in 1891. After facing multiple challenges to establish a legal career in India, he moved to South Africa in 1893, where he lived for 21 years and faced racial discrimination.
These experiences were pivotal in forming his belief in Satyagraha, a method of non-violent resistance. Returning to India in 1915, Bapu introduced ideas of self-reliance, including the promotion of the charkha (spinning wheel) to encourage rural industry and reduce dependence on British goods. Charkha emerged as a powerful symbol that represented both economic independence and political liberation.
However, he urged people to boycott British goods and products, encouraging everyone to use products from local artisans. He promoted Khadi to encourage rural employment and also supported handloom weaving, leatherwork by marginalized people, soap making, oil pressing, and papermaking. He insisted that businesses should be non-exploitative, fair to workers, and environmentally sustainable, emphasizing truth, honesty, and simplicity in trade and business dealings.
However, Grow Together, on Bapu’s 155th birth anniversary, has organized a meaningful celebration at Baliapal Ashram Bidyalaya School, NadiaBhanga, Duburi,Jajpur. We planned to educate students regarding his greatness and love for peace, and innumerable qualities such assimplicity, self-discipline, self-reliance,compassion, persistence,and service to the poor etc. Grow Together aims to spread Gandhiji’s message of peace, non-violence, and community service among school children and the local community.
The event began with a peace rally, where students marched through the nearby streets holding placards with quotes by Mahatma Gandhi and chanting slogans promoting truth, non-violence, and cleanliness. The rally, led by teachers and Grow Together volunteers, attracted attention and appreciation from the residents/villagers, who joined in the spirit of the occasion.
Some of the Quotes written on the Placards are
- Be the change that you wish to see in the world
- In a gentle way, you can shake the world
- An eye for an eye will only make the whole world blind
- The future depends on what we do in the present
- The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong
- First, they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win
- Sanitation is more important than independence
- You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty
Following the rally, a speech competition was held on the school campus. Students from different grades passionately spoke about Gandhiji’s life, his role in India’s independence, and the importance of following his values in modern times. The speeches were judged based on content, delivery, and understanding of the subject.
After the competition, a prize distribution ceremony took place, where the winners were awarded certificates and small gifts sponsored by Grow Together. The joy and pride on the faces of the students reflected their excitement and motivation to continue learning about Gandhiji’s ideals.
As part of Grow Together, a non-governmental organizationcommitted to community welfare, more than 100 tiffin packets were distributed among the students,ensuring every participant received a nutritious meal. This gesture celebrated the occasion and echoed Gandhiji’s belief in caring for the underprivileged and sharing with those in need.
School Principal-Mr.Dabara Purty, Samiti Sabhya- Balma Tiyu, Zilla Parishad- Miss Tina haibruexpressed their heartfelt thanks to Grow Together for our efforts, stating, “This event was more than a celebration—it was a lesson in compassion, unity, and patriotism” and the students of Baliapal Ashram Bidyalaya School will remember it for a long time and hopefully follow in Bapu’s footsteps and principles.
Grow Together and Baliapal Ashram Bidyalaya School honored Mahatma Gandhi by instilling his enduring values in their students, inspiring young minds with the principles that continue to guide the world.
Grow Together inspired students to embrace their potential as future leaders, using Bapu’s teachings as a foundation for personal and societal growth. We want to let his words guide their actions, not just today, but every day.
Grow Together understands education is not only a path to personal success but a means to uplift the community and make the world a fairer place for everyone.
Some of our Key Advice was
- Let your words and deeds be guided by kindness and non-violence.
- Stand up for truth and justice both academically and in personal life.
- Engage in meaningful service, however small it may seem.
- Be a responsible citizen by caring for the environment and promoting cleanliness.
Mahatma Gandhi wasn’t born with superpowers or into privilege
” he was an ordinary man, like each of us, who chose to pursue change in unconventional ways. Being an average student, he was never shy about his academic shortcomings; rather called himself a mediocre student.He remained determined to make a difference and inspire change. Similarly, Grow Together expects and wishes all the students to become unconventional and bring a change in society for its betterment. “
