10 lakh people to take oath of non-violence

Nagpur, Sep 22 (UNI) Ten lakh people will take oath of non-violence to mark Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary in the second capital of Maharashtra, this year.

The drive would begin with Justice (retired) C S Dharmadhikari, former judge of the High Court, signing the first avowal here today.

Talking to reporters yesterday, Union Minister of State for Renewable Energy Vilas Muttemwar said, a website, www.ahimsa-nagpur.in, has also been launched to help people, take the the oath online.

Various programmes, including a peace rally, an exhibition and a play, would be held over the next fortnight to mark the occasion, said Mr Muttemwar, who is also the Convenor of the organising committee.

The other programmes include a peace march on October 2, in which over one lakh people, including students are expected to participate, he added.

An exhibition on the country's freedom struggle and Mahatma Gandhi's contribution to it, with rare historic photographs on display, would be mounted here from today, Mr Muttmewar said.

A theatrical production on non-violence would be staged every evening for four days from September 25, he said.

The programmes would conclude with a Bhajan recital by noted singer Sonu Nigam on October 2, he added.

UNI AB LY SLD RK0855