Shillong (Meghalaya), Oct 2 : – The Arts and Culture department comemorated the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi online in view of the ongoing pandemic. All activities were held on online mode and on virtual platforms. The Department has also designed a special logo for the Meghalaya celebrations by incorporating the pan-India “150 years of celebrating the Mahatma” logo.
A dedicated Facebook page, “Department of Arts and Culture – 150 years of Mahatma” was created, to serve as an umbrella platform for hosting all the events on online and virtual mode.
An online display of photographs of Mahatma Gandhi was unveiled today based on archival photographs in the custody of the Department of Arts and Culture, and donated by Allahabad Museum.
Display of contemporary paintings and visual art through online mode reflecting the philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi, a dance recital on the concept of Gandhian Spinning Wheel was performed by Gitanjali Dance Academy today through the virtual mode.
The various events included a , special Webinar on the Theme: “Celebrating the Mahatma” in collaboration with Synod College Management Authorities was held today , at the Synod College. The Keynote address was delivered by Dr. David Reid Syiemlieh, Former Chairman UPSC, eminent historian and former Vice Chancellor, Rajiv Gandhi University, Arunachal Pradesh.
Another National webinar on “Gandhiji at 150-National Webinar” on “Relevance of Gandhian Philosophy in the 21st Century” organized by INTACH, Meghalaya Chapter was earlier held on 25 Sept last , with National Panelists representing various INTACH Chapters.
A quiz competition on, ‘Life, work and teachings of Mahatma Gandhi’ was held on today for participants within the age group of 16 to 25 years.
Various thematic competitions which were earlier organized which included : Drawing Competition on the topic – “Mahatma Gandhi: Father of the Nation” already held on 17th – 27th Sept, for Age Groups 6 to 12 Years. Letter writing competition – “A letter to Mahatma Gandhi on how his ideas inspire the youth of today” in the same period between 17th – 27th Sept for Age Groups 13 to 18 Years. A Debate Competition – on the motion, “The House Believes that Gandhian Principle have lost their applicability in Today’s world” was held on Sept 26 for Age Groups 16 to 21 Years.
A formal prize ceremony was held at the State Central Library Auditorium here with limited participants and prize winners in the presence of Commissioner & Secretary, Arts & Culture, Joint Secretary Arts & Culture & Director, Arts & Culture due to the prevailing health protocols, in view of Covid 19.