In a landmark move, the Odisha Assembly on Tuesday, unanimously passed the resolution to include ‘Ahimsa’ (non-violence) in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution. The resolution was passed on the centenary of Mahatma Gandhi’s first visit to Odisha.
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik passed the resolution after the assembly hosted a special discussion on Mahatma Gandhi.
The members offered floral tribute to the statue of Gandhi ji in the Assembly premises before initiating the discussion. S N Patro reportedly suspended the question hour, zero hour, and time slot for the discussion on an adjournment motion for holding the special debate on Gandhi ji.
The house observed discussions on various aspects of Mahatma Gandhi’s visit to the state during the first hour of the day. The Leader of the house said Odisha had a special place in Mahatma Gandhi’s heart.
The Father of the nation strongly advocated non-violence in his campaign for India’s independence from British rule.
“Of all the things that this country has given to the world, Gandhi’s philosophy and message stand out as one of its greatest contributions,” Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said.
During his visits, the Assembly Leader continued, Mahatma Gandhi had extensively traveled in different parts of the state and interacted with cross-sections of the people. Mahatma Gandhi’s visits created greater awareness about various social issues apart from energizing the Freedom Movement.
“There is also an increasing polarisation and divisiveness globally,” Patnaik said, as he spoke about the diversity of opinions across the world. He added how Gandhi’s commitment to pluralism and his message of tolerance and harmony is as relevant now as it was then. “His non-violent resistance was a spark that ignited a peaceful movement around the world,” added Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.
The Chief Minister reportedly quoted, Martin Luther King, JR, and said: “If Humanity is to progress, Gandhi is inescapable we may ignore at our own risk.”
He asserted that the state government was totally committed to the principles and ideals of Mahatma Gandhi. The decision to rename the state secretariat as “Loka Seba Bhawan” was not a symbolism.
Opposition leader Pradipta Kumar Naik also participated in the debate and said, tributes to the Mahatma can only be reflected in ways we all have lived up to inculcate his doctrines in our lives.
“Gandhi’s philosophy needed to be reflected in the government’s policies,” pointed out Pradipta Kumar Naik.
Government Chief Whip Pramila Mallick suggested that Gandhi ji was in favor of women empowerment and against casteism.
According to reports in India Today, Congress leader Narasingha Mishra said, the people, who are inspired by the ideology of Gandhi’s assassin, are ruling the country. Gandhi’s life and teachings should be taught in schools, added Mishra.
