IMPHAL, October 2: As a part of the `National Cleanliness Day` observed on October 2, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, for many years now, the State government held a function and paid floral tributes to the man of peace and non-violence, and revered as the `Father of the Nation`, at the Gandhi Memorial hall today.
The anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi is also commemorated as `International Day of Non-violence` worldwide since it was adopted by the UN in 2007 giving recognition to Mahatma Gandhi`™s thoughts and philosophy.
Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh and Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam along with cabinet ministers Ak Mirabai, I Hemochandra, M Okendro, Francis Ngajokpa; MLAs and bureaucrats offered floral tributes to saintly man.
The CM reminded everyone present that Mahatma Gandhi widely known as the `Father of the Nation` of the country is acknowledged even by the United Nations for his dedication and tireless non-violent efforts in nation building. Mahatma Gandhi will be always remembered as a great spiritual force by the future generations, he added.
The day is observed to mark the birth anniversary of the Mahatma who led the nation in its struggle for freedom from the British Empire using non-violence (ahimsa) as his most powerful weapon, the CM said.
Ibobi observed that good thoughts are an offshoot of cleanliness and Gandhi always promoted hygiene throughout his life as he believed that cleanliness was next to godliness and used cleanliness as a spiritual exercise.
Cleanliness within us will make the environment clean, he added.
Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam today called upon all to resolve mutually the problems and issues confronting the State through non-violent means as propagated by Mahatma Gandhi.
He said Gandhi`™s supreme sacrifices and dedication for the nation is relevant till today.
The deputy CM also said that not only keeping our surrounding clean is necessary but there is also a need to keep our mind clean to refrain from violence, creating disturbances and destructions.
After the function, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh led others in taking the Swachh Pledge. The Union government has launched a new mission `Swachh Bharat Mission` which started on September 25 and will continue till October 23.
This mission aims to make the country a Swachh Bharat by 2019 on the 150 birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
Later, floral tributes were also offered to the bust of Mahatma Gandhi within the premises of the Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee.