Surat event with Godse kin as chief guest junked after uproar

SURAT: A proposed event with a member of Nathuram Godse's family as the chief guest was cancelled on Saturday following criticism from various sections of society. Posters announcing the Sunday event mentioned Godse as "Hindu Hriday Samrat Param Deshbhakt Late Nathuramji Godse (Emperor of Hindu Hearts, Supreme Patriot Nathuram Godse)". A member of his family, Ajinkya Godse, was to be present alongside Dr Gautam Khattar, founder of Sanatan Mahasangh, as the main speaker. The event, titled 'Surakshit Bharat - Sanatan Past, Present and Future Challenges and Its Solutions', was organised by the Shree Ramkrushna Seva Samiti. Congress functionary Aslam Cyclewala said, "It is shameful that such an event is organised, glorifying the murderer of Mahatma Gandhi in his home state. What are we trying to teach our youth? Instead of Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Patel's ethics, we are sharing knowledge about acts of murder." Cyclewala alleged his pleas to take down the posters were not heard by Surat Municipal Corporation and police.