Rich tributes paid to Father of the Nation on his birth anniversary

Chennai, Oct 2: Tamil Nadu Governor CH Vidyasagar Rao, Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami led the state in paying rich tributes to Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi on the occasion of his 149th birth anniversary here today. The Governor paid floral tributes to a decorated portrait of Mahatma Gandhi at his statue on the Marina beach front. After the Governor, the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam and Ministers also garlanded the Gandhi statue and paid rich tributes to the portrait. Earlier, Information and Publicity Minister Kadambur Raju flagged off a cycle rally from the Gandhi statute to spread the message on eradication of untouchability, social unity, communal harmony and world peace. Mr Vidyasagar Rao also inaugurated the Khadi sales on the occasion of ​Gandhi Jayanthi and Diwali at Khadi Gramodyog Bhavan in the city, besides handing over prizes to the winners of oratorical, poetry and other competitions in which students of various schools participated. Apart from inaugurating a photo exhibition on Mahatma Gandhi at his memorial, a cultural programme by school students was also held. Leaders of various political parties also garlanded the statue of Mahatma Gandhi and paid their tributes across the state. On the occasion of Gandhi Jayanthi, cleanliness campaigns and cleanliness drives were organised all over the six divisions of Southern Railway, including Chennai, Madurai, Tiruchirapalli, Palakkad, Trivandrum and Salem Divisions. In Chennai Division, the cleanliness drives was organised for the period from September 17 to today as part of 'SWACHCHTA HI SEVA' as part of Swachh Bharat Mission to mobilise people and reinforce the “Jan Aandolan” for sanitation to contribute to Mahatma Gandhi’s dream of a Clean India. Indian Railways proudly joined the mission with intensive cleanliness activities all over railway premises, with the active help and involvement of volunteers, staff, NGOs, Scouts and Guides and general public in spreading the message of Swachhta. Jingles highlighting the importance of Cleanliness were played through public address system in railway stations seeking public support in using dustbins, handling bio-toilet carefully and restraining from using toilets at stations. At Chennai Central railway station, volunteers from private organisations took part in the cleaning campaign along with the railway officials highlighting the active interest of corporates in joining hands in Swatchta Activities as part of Corporate Social Responsibility and earmark their contribution towards Clean India along with Indian Railways. Meanwhile, floral tributes were also paid to late Chief Minister K Kamaraj on the occasion of his death anniversary across the state. UNI