Chandigarh, April 13, 2015: Today, on the auspicious day of Baisakhi Prof. Kaptan Singh Solanki, Hon’ble Governor Punjab & Haryana cum Administrator, Chandigarh Administration accompanied by Amb. Ashok Sajjanhar, Secretary, National Foundation for Communal Harmony, Government of India, Prof. Arun Kumar Grover, Vice Chancellor & Guljit Singh Chadha, Registrar, Panjab Univeristy planted an ‘Ashoka Tree’ at Panjab University, Chandigarh. To inspire young people to do more for their community and country soil brought by Yuvsatta volunteers from Shaheed Bhagat Singh’s birthplace in Pakistan was mixed with local soil for this plantation. Prominent personalities present on the occasion included Gurbax Rawat, Dy. Mayor, Harjinder Kaur, Ex-Mayor & Councillor, Arun Sood, leader of BJP in Municipal Corporation, Chandigarh.
Later Governor Prof. Kaptan Singh Solanki addressed a Seminar on theme ‘1 India-promoting communal harmony and national unity’ at ICSSR Complex of Panjab University, Chandigarh. In which teachers-in-charge of Peace Clubs & NSS Units of over 70 prominent tricity Schools of Chandigarh, Panchkula & Mohali participated. The programme was jointly organized by Yuvsatta, National Foundation for Communal Harmony & State Cell of NSS, Education Department, Chandigarh.
In his address to teachers Prof. Kaptan Singh Solanki shared that day Indian ethos of live & let live, of divinity in humanism, surpasses all man-made barriers of race, religion and nations. Indians have never conquered, plundered or committed genocides on other peoples and they never will, primarily because the deeper values enshrined in our ‘Human Dharma’ are against such mindless violence and expansionism. He further added that if world has to make progress and live peacefully than Indian ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam -whole world is one family is the key to stability and world peace. Where there is no enemy and humans celebrating our diversity should live in peace with each other.
Amb. Ashok Sajjanhar sharing his views said that for the last several millennia, India is a vibrant and outstanding example showing how different faiths and beliefs can co-exist in peace, mutual respect and harmony. Applauding the role of teachers he added that teacher is no doubt the conscience keeper of the nation. And teachers should be committed to promote national integration and set models to be emulated by the students.
Welcoming the Chief Guest Prof. Ronki Ram shared that the children in Schools need to be secured from the vagaries of social and economic inequalities at least in their early formative years. Every child must, right from the very beginning, have a feel of and be a proud partner in propagating our unique tradition of harmony and tolerance.
Hon’ble Governor was also presented with a portrait of himself designed by famous artist Sandeeep Joshi.
In the end, thanking prominent participants and teachers Prof. Arun Kumar Grover, Vice Chancellor concluded the Seminar sharing that mantra of ‘Be the Change’ and teachers he said can be greatest change makers to promote a new generation with creative minds, caring hearts and constructive hands.
Prominent amongst those who shared their ideas and thoughts in this Seminar on ‘1 India’ were Deepak Dhiman, State Head-North, Dainik Bhasker, Chandigarh, Dr. Raheel Dhattiwala from University of South Australia, Adelaide spoke on issues of ‘Danger of Stereotype’, Dr. Vandana Shukla, Asstt. Editor, The Tribune addressed the issues of “Conversion— of beliefs and biases— not religion”, Bikram Singh Rana, State Liaison Officer NSS, Chandigarh and Pramod Sharma, Coordinator, Yuvsatta suggested number of activities to promote the spirit of ‘1 India’ i.e. Communal Harmony and National Unity among young students.