'Gandhi still relevant in any democracy': Prof Purushotham Reddy

Warangal: The movement against uranium mining in the Nallamala forest and liquor consumption in the unified state of Andhra Pradesh has taken its cue from Gandhiji’s non-violent method of agitation to influence the states to "correct the unpopular policy decisions", said K Purushotham Reddy, a former professor of Osmania University. Professor Reddy was the principal speaker at a seminar “Mahatma Gandhi’s Ideas and Actions” held at Kakatiya University in Warangal on Friday.

"Peaceful protests are the order of the day to express dissent against unpopular decisions of the elected governments in a democracy and Mahatma’s ideology is still relevant," said Prof Reddy, adding that Gandhism was practised in several nations even after India’s independence in 1947.

Prof Anil Dutta Misra from Jain Vishwa Bharati University, Jaipur, said that Mahatma used the non-violence as a technique, weapon and strategy against the British in achieving the independence.

NIT Director Prof Ramana Rao said that the whole world is looking at India as such a populous country is managing its affairs through dialogue despite dissent in some quarters. Quoting Gandhi, he said that real development of India lies in the development of the villages. Prof Rao also invoked Nelson Mandela who brought freedom to South Africa after a relentless battle against the injustice meted out to the majority community by minority rulers.

KU Registrar Prof Purushotham expressed unhappiness that Gandhiji was not honoured with the Nobel prize despite being nominated for five times. "Understanding Gandhiji’s principles is easy, but practising them needs a lot of perseverance."

Prof Ramesh, Prof Narendra Kumar, Prof Mohan Srikrishna Kushikar, Prof Naidu Ashok, Prof Veeranna also addressed the gathering.