Bapu's idol found in dingy godown

Surat, Sep 30: With Bapu's birthday just two days ahead, an idol of Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi, was recovered from a dingy godown of the office of Taluka Panchayat, Olpad (Surat district) on Tuesday, Sep 30. The idol, in dilapidated condition, had been kept in the godown for last 45 years. Few days ago, some media persons, found the idol in the godown accidentally and they questioned the authorities how it was lying there and why in such condition, but authorities could not provide satifactory answers.

Mediapersons and some Gandhians took initiative and the idol was taken out of the godown after 45 years. Now plans are afoot to install it in a proper manner.

The idol was originally brought from Umrachchi village by Congress workers long ago. They wanted to place the idol in front of Taluka Office in proper manner, but their dream was never fulfilled.

Since 1963 to 2008, 75 officials have worked as Taluka development officer in the office, but no one even bothered to look after the idol.

The idol was in a dirty and broken shape and it was kept in middle of tonnes of abandoned articles for all these years.

Chandrakant Solanki, current TDO, said he has been in office since last five months. While, ignorance of idol for all these years is a case which can't be justified.

''It is a matter of surprise that none of officers ever thought of the idol. The fact is more amazing that the idol was under captivity during Congress regime which declares Gandhiji as their idol of the century. We will try to restore the idol with complete honour in a suitable place so that dignity of Father of Nation is not compromised,'' Mr Solanki added.

Gosaibhai Chhibabhai Patel, a freedom fighter and Ex-MLA said it is matter of great pain and sorrow that Gandhiji's idol was found under such shocking circumstances and that too in a government office.

Today films are being made in name of Gandhi and people also boast of Gandhi values but looking at this incident, it seems that everything is forgotten.'' he said.

OneIndia News