Year-long programme for '60 years of martrydom' of Vasant-Rajab

Ahmedabad, June 29 (UNI) A year-long programme is being organised by a group of voluntary organisations in Gujarat from tomorrow to commemorate the '60 years' of martyrdom' of Vasant Rao Hegishte and Rajab Ali Lakhani, who was killed on the Rath Yatra day during the communal riots of 1946.

The two--Vasant and Rajab--now regarded as a symbol of communal amity, had become victims of mob fury when they tried to save people.

This year is the birth centenary year of Vasant. Both friends were ardent followers of Gandhiji's ideals and actively participated in the freedom movement.

Various programmes that will be organised in the state include a seminar 'Reimagining the City, Reimagining the Nation' by ANHAD at Vadodara.

A Vasant-Rajab Calendar will be released by Sevadal and a rally will be taken out to Vasant-Rajab Memorial Chowk, Jamalpur.

An Essay Competition on communal problems and national unity will be organised for students and citizens and the best essays will be rewarded on the Internatinal Human Rights Day.

Several events will also be held in Surat and Bhavnagar as part of the programme.

Cultural tributes will be paid to them through dance, poetry and music. Dhruv Sangari, Gauhar Raza, Khalil Dhantejvi, Saba Azad Grewal and Mehneer Sudan are the artistes who will be performing during the event.

Movement for Secular Deocracy, Akhil Bhartiya Sevadal, Gujarat Sarvoday Mandal, AWAG, PRASHANT, Janpath, Pragatisheel Lekhak Sangh, Cultural Educational Forum, Gandhi Peace Foundation and others are among the organisers of the programme, said Prakash Shah, Convenor of MSD in a statement.

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