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| Satyagraha centenary celebrated across country | | |
New Delhi, Sep 11: The nation today celebrated the centenary of a non-violent movement first launched in South Africa by Mahatma Gandhi, which eventually served as a potent weapon in India’s struggle for freedom from British colonial rule.
On September 11, 1906, Gandhi led about 3000 South African Indians in Johannesburg, in a protest against the Asiatic law amendment ordinance, which was enforced to demean citizens of Indian and Chinese origin.
The gathering outside Johannesburg’s Empire Theatre was to carry out a campaign to bring about an awareness among locals on burning issues like violence against women, female foeticide, child abuse and trafficking. Issues like better environmental and sanitary conditions were also raised.
New Delhi is hosting a series of events to commemorate this great day. A marathon was organised by the Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti (GSDS), from the GSDS campus to Rajghat. A special photo-exhibition was inaugurated by Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Ambika Soni, at the National Gandhi Museum. Over 100 photographs are on display.
Renowned singer Shubha Mudgal will perform this evening. A world peace gong from Indonesia will be on display at GSDS.
The GSDS 30 other social organisations will also launch a year-long campaign on Gandhian ideology.
Satyagraha first took root in 1893 when Gandhi came to South Africa as the legal advisor to an Indian trader. On being thrown out of a first class compartment of a train reserved for whites, despite having a valid ticket, the young lawyer expressed his determination to combat racism and restore honour to the one lakh plus Indians in South Africa.
“Indian Opinion” became the mouthpiece of the Indian community and the campaign with small beginnings grew into a huge movement. |
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