COIMBATORE: Renowned social activist Krishnammal Jagannathan, 96, inaugurated the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial at Podanur on the 153rd birth anniversary of Gandhiji on Sunday.
Addressing the gathering, she urged the people to lead a meaningful life by doing good deeds that largely benefit the society. She recalled the rare opportunity that she got to work with Mahatma Gandhi and freedom fighter and social reformer Vinoba Bhave.
G D Raj Kumar, grandson of G D Naidu, narrated how his grandfather’s house at Podanur was unused for many decades and renovated to raise a memorial for Gandhiji. He said the idea was first suggested by Dr BK Krishnaraj Vanavarayar, chairman, Kumaraguru Institutions.
While Naidu hosted Gandhiji at his house in 1934, Kumar said, he came to know about the rare distinction of the house only in 1998. “The house remained unused for another decade till Krishnaraj approached us with the idea of a memorial for Gandhiji.”
Krishnaraj said Gandhiji was not a man of the past but of the future. “We cannot underestimate him, as his philosophy and life will inspire the mankind for another 1,000 years.”
He said the people could visit the memorial to know about Gandhiji’s life, his role in the Indian freedom movement and how he got freedom through non-violence. “The idea is to take his principles to the younger generation.”
District collector G S Sameeran, corporation commissioner M Prathap and city police commissioner V Balakrishnan were present at the event.
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