The Governor while addressing said that Gandhiji always stood for the welfare of the people and economic freedom. Untouchability is a crime he said and questioned where swaraj is when we achieved it. Celebrating Gandhi Jayanti means providing basic needs of every citizen of this country, the Governor said.
The Governor speaking further said many religions have flourished in our country which were welcomed by our forefathers. There is co-existence of all religions in our country, which gives a message of humanity.
The Governor also said that Mahatma Gandhi had laid down the gram swaraj concept. His upholding of principles of truth and non violence towards which we all have to think about.
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Tourism Shri Shripad Naik in his address maintained that remembering Mahatma Gandhi means to follow and uphold his welfare ideas, values for which he always stood for.
Earlier the dignitaries garlanded the portrait of Mahatma Gandhi.
Secretary to Governor Shri Mihir Vardhan IAS, welcomed the guests.
Pandit Dnyaneshwar Patil, Rev. Father Dr. Agnelo Pinhero and Maulana Mohammad Irfan Ali performed prayers according to their respective religion ( Sarvadharm Prarthana ) on the ocassion.
Spouse of the Governor Adv. Rita Sreedharan Pillai, Shri Gaurish Shankhwalkar Jt. Secretary to Governor, Shri Suraj Naik, PS to Union Minister were present on the occasion.
Shri Elton Fernandes compered the function