Gandhi, a great visionary of world: Azad

Srinagar, Oct 1 (UNI) Mahatma Gandhi, the great visionary of the world, saw a ray of light in darkness in Jammu and Kashmir when the whole sub-continent was burning in sequel to communal frenzy, Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad today said.

Paying glowing tributes to the Father of Nation on the eve of his birth anneversary, Mr Azad said new generation would have to be made aware that the Mahatma fought like a lion against communalism through his philosophy of secularism and brotherhood.

''His martyrdom was a result of communal madness. Mahatma Gandhi always stood like a rock for cementing Hindu-Muslim-Sikh ties because he believed that the progress of a nation is possible only when all components of the society work together,'' he added.

The Chief Minister said it was under the Mahatma's leadership that India got self-rule and fundamentals of democracy.

Mr Azad hoped that the people, particularly the youth, would adhere to the philosophy of the Father of Nation which will definitely usher the state towards peace and prosperity.

The Chief Minister said the day also marks the centenary of satyagraha which the Mahtama started from South Africa.

It was the first voice against apartheid and today the world has released that dividing human beings in the name of state, creed, religion and colour divides humanity and breeds violence, he added.

Mr Azad said in order to check all forms of violence and terror in all parts of the world, application of Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy was the only solution.

UNI AG VD GC1717