Floral tributes to Mahatma

Chennai, Oct 2 (UNI) Floral tributes, launching of ''subsidised condiments scheme,'' rallies for peace and blood donation camps marked the birth anniversary celebrations of Father of Nation Mahatma Gandhi in Tamil Nadu today.

Governor Surjit Singh Barnala and Chief Minister M Karunanidhi led the State in paying floral tributes to Gandhiji, even as Mr Karunanidhi launched a new scheme making available a pack of subsidised condiments to the poor on the occasion.

The Governor and the Chief Minister paid floral tributes to the portrait of Mahatma, kept beneath the Gandhi Statue on the Marina this morning.

After paying their respects, the two leaders listened to bhajans and devotional songs.

State Ministers, including Arcot N Veerasamy and M K Stalin, Congress leaders K V Thangabalu, D Sudarsanam and leaders from various political parties also paid floral tributes.

Earlier, the Governor inaugurated Khadi special rebate sales at Khadi Gramodyog bhavan and art exhibition ''Icon of Ahimsa- Gandhiji life'' at Raj Bhavan.

Speaking on the occasion, the Governor said spreading awareness on the use of Khadi and village industries products among the people living in urban areas should be on the agenda.

He said the steps taken by Khadi Gramodyog Sangh to establish youth forum for Gandhian studies to activise Gandhian studies among the students deserved commendation.

''Youth should take to wearing Khadi. They should not look upon Khadi merely as a cloth material but as a part of an ancient heritage, a symbol of simplicity, truth, purity and equality,'' the Governor said.

State Information Minister Parithi Ilamvazhuthi flagged off a cycle rally for world peace was organised from Gandhi Statue on Kamarajar Salai. The Indian Confederation of Labour organised a blood donation camp.

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