People from all walks of life must be sensitised about their mother tongue, humanity, environmental protection, lifestyle, health and dignity to make the country ‘swechaa Bharat’ (free India) which was dreamt by Mahatma Gandhi, said Speaker Kodela Siva Prasada Rao at Gitam University here on Wednesday.
He was releasing a book on “Relevance of the Mahatma in the 21st Century and Beyond” written by Gitam Chancellor K. Ramakrishna Rao.
Dr. Siva Prasada Rao said even after 70 years of independence 60 % of households don't have access to toilet and still defecate in the open.
Gandhiji tried to bring about a synthesis between the good points of both the old customs and the modern ways to bring about real social welfare, Dr. Rao added.
MP K. Haribabu said following the Gandhian thoughts the Union Government was effectively exploring multiple facets of empowerment for socially deprived sections of society with schemes like ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’, Mudra loans, ‘Swachhta Udyami Yojana’, Sanitary Mart Scheme.
Gitam president MVVS Murthi said Gitam University was committed to propagating Gandhian thought and philosophy.
Gitam University Vice-Chancellor M.S. Prasada Rao and Chancellor K. Ramakrishna Rao spoke.
Former Vice-Chancellor of South Bihar Central University Janak Pandey, Gandhi Smriti former director Savita Singh, Gitam University Pro Vice-Chancellor K.Sivarama Krishna, Gitam School of Gandhian studies in charge director Rosetta Joseph and others participated in the programme.