Gandhi’s legacy must reflect in daily life, not just speeches: Atal Dulloo

Rehan Qayoom Mir

Srinagar, Oct 02: Chief Secretary Jammu and Kashmir Atal Dulloo on Friday said Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy should be reflected in everyday conduct and not confined to speeches or ceremonial occasions.

Speaking at a Gandhi Jayanti event at SKICC Srinagar, Dulloo, according to news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said Gandhi’s principles of truth, service, dignity and social responsibility remained relevant in contemporary society and could guide Jammu and Kashmir’s progress.

He described truth as the foundation of a just and humane society and said Gandhi’s message of non-violence extended beyond refraining from physical harm to respecting others through one’s thoughts, words and actions.

Dulloo said Gandhi’s vision of self-reliance held particular significance for Jammu and Kashmir, stressing the need to promote local skills, agriculture, handicrafts and indigenous products.

He also underlined the dignity of labour, saying the contributions of farmers, artisans, sanitation workers, teachers and scientists deserved equal recognition and respect.

Highlighting environmental concerns, the Chief Secretary said Gandhi’s emphasis on simplicity, restraint and responsible use of resources had become even more relevant in the face of climate change and other environmental challenges.

He said Jammu and Kashmir, with its rich cultural heritage, had a special responsibility to foster mutual respect, harmony and peaceful coexistence. A peaceful society, he added, could be built only when people respected each other’s beliefs, traditions and identities.

Dulloo said Gandhi had not left behind a rigid system to follow but a set of principles to guide daily life. He added that the values of truth and service acquire meaning only when translated into action and reflected in contributions to society—(KNO)