PU's Gandhian dept puts off Mandela Day celebrations

CHANDIGARH: Panjab University's department of Gandhian and Peace Studies missed the Nelson Mandela Day on Friday, and decided to have delayed celebrations. According to teachers, with the new batch yet to come and the faculty busy with the admission process, they could not plan for the day.
With the closely related ideals of Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela, it was expected that some event would take place at the Gandhian department to mark the day.Dr Manish Sharma, chairperson of the department, said: "Right now, we don't have any participants for the event. But a man like Nelson Mandela cannot be forgotten, which is why we are planning an event involving our entire faculty and students after July 24, once the session has begun."
Last year, a similar programme was held at the Gandhi Bhawan to acknowledge the legend's work and discuss the implementation of his ideals in today's world. The fact that not many people knew about the day, and how it passed unnoticed is a great disappointment.
According to PS Bhogal, a Ludhiana-based scholar, who has translated Mandela's autobiography ?Long Walk to Freedom' in Punjabi to spread his views, the Nelson Mandela Day was a reminder to all that we should do some social service everyday. "Today is a great day as we remember the work of a legend. My students and I personally relate to what Mandela started on a global level. His work is a beacon of light for all those who struggle," he said.