Mangalore: It is the Universal Non-Violence Day today (UND) and thousands of people gathered wherever Gandhi images had been installed in the port city, whether at Gandhi Park or at Gandhi Library on Light House hill. People fondly call him Bapu for his sacrifices and services to the Indian nation that is Hindustan. The Day came immediately after the ban order under Sn.144 of IPC was withdrawn in the city on Oct.1. Everything was peaceful, co-operative and subdued, following publication of Lucknow Court verdict on Ayodhya’s 2.77 km area that was in dispute for 60 years. UNO had declared Oct.2 as Universal Day of non-violence in memory of Bapu.

Bharat Seva Dal celebrated the occasion in a befitting manner. Dal organised a peaceful procession from Jyothi Circle to Gandhi Park near Town hall, where DC/DM, V. Ponnuraj garlanded the elegant Gandhi statue and spoke few words conveying Gandhian sentiments to the assembled people on Saturday morning. Pradeep K. Kalkura organizer of the event, asked people to re-dedicate themselves to the ideals of the father of the Nation, who sacrificed everything he had to create a new India, free from servitude.

MP Nalinkumar Kateelu, MLAs N. Yogish Bhat and U.T. Khader, Kannada and Tulu activist and leader Harikrishna Punarooru, CPC Seemanth K. Singh and several dignitaries were present with garlands on the occasion.

After the garlanding programme, devotional (Bhajan) music events were held in the Town Hall nearby.
Earlier U.T Khader gave a pledge to the students of Jyothi training school, where a hundred voices sang the national anthem and heard him.
In city, MCC members observed the Gandhi Jayanthi with Rotaract Club of Mangalore. Garlands were offered to Gandhi statue opposite MCC by the Mayor and MCC Commissioner among others.
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