Grand National Celebration to Be Organized on the Centenary Year of Mahatma Gandhi's Arrival in Bhagalpur; Resolution to Preserve Bapu's Ideals, Deliberation on Security of Historical Lajpat Park and Other Sites
Bhagalpur, Special Correspondent: Preparations are in their final stages to organize a grand and historic national celebration to mark the completion of one hundred years of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi's, arrival on the historic and cultural soil of Silk City Bhagalpur. The primary objective of this three-day national celebration is to preserve Bapu's sacred thoughts, his ideals, and his memoirs associated with the freedom struggle among the new generation. In this regard, during recently held high-level meetings and discussions, serious deliberations were held regarding the security, preservation, and beautification of Bhagalpur's prominent historical sites, especially Lajpat Park—which bore witness to the freedom movement—and other heritage locations. In the presence of administrative officials, intellectuals, and Gandhian thinkers, a resolution was adopted that no stone will be left unturned to cherish Bapu's memories.
Mahatma Gandhi's Historic Association with Bhagalpur
Turning the pages of history, the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, has shared a deep and unbreakable bond with Bhagalpur. After the Champaran Satyagraha, if there was any city in Bihar with which Gandhiji had the deepest association, it was the Anga region, namely Bhagalpur. During his lifetime, Gandhiji undertook four historic visits to Bhagalpur on separate occasions:
First Arrival (1917): Gandhiji came to Bhagalpur for the first time on October 15, 1917, clad in Kathiawadi attire to preside over the Bihar Students' Conference. During this very journey, he emphasized making Hindi the national language and maximizing the use of the mother tongue on local soil.
Second Arrival (1920): In connection with the Non-Cooperation Movement, he arrived in Bhagalpur in December 1920 traveling in a third-class compartment, where he addressed a massive public gathering at the Tildhar Kothi grounds and opposed British rule.
Third Arrival (1925): During his Bhagalpur visit in October 1925, he celebrated his 56th birthday with simplicity. Special meetings were held during that time regarding the awakening of women, the eradication of the purdah system, and the promotion of Khadi.
Fourth Arrival (1934–35): Following the devastating earthquake in Bihar, Bapu visited Bhagalpur to assess relief works for victims and aid, and addressed a massive public gathering at the historic Lajpat Park.
Outline of the Grand National Celebration on the Centenary Year
Renowned Gandhian thinkers, educators, literateurs, and social workers from across the country will participate in this three-day national celebration organized on the occasion of the completion of one hundred years of Bapu's arrival in Bhagalpur.
Publication and Release of Research Volume: On the occasion of this centenary celebration, a special research volume based on Mahatma Gandhi's influence in the Anga region and his four historic visits will be released. Unexplored episodes associated with freedom fighters and Bapu have been compiled within it.
Giant Book Fair and Cultural Programs: A grand book fair will be organized with the cooperation of renowned publishing houses, featuring prominent Gandhian literature. Furthermore, Bapu's message of peace and non-violence will be conveyed to the masses through interfaith prayers, harmony marches, symposiums, and cultural programs.
Special Deliberation on Security of Historical Sites Including Lajpat Park
During the meeting, the most critical issue pertained to the preservation and security of Bhagalpur's historical heritage sites:
Significance of Lajpat Park: Lajpat Park, which bore witness to countless historic meetings and movements during the freedom struggle, still resides in the heart of the city. Discussions in the meeting emphasized that while maintaining the historical dignity of this park, its security and maintenance should be foolproof.
Freedom from Encroachment and Maintenance: The administration and enlightened citizens of the city jointly decided to put robust security arrangements in place at heritage sites like Lajpat Park so that future generations can connect with their glorious heritage. Additionally, plans are underway to preserve other sites associated with Bapu in the city.
Demand for Statue Installation: Various social organizations and Gandhians also strongly raised the demand during this occasion that a grand statue of Bapu be installed at prominent city sites during this auspicious centenary year, so that his thoughts continue to inspire society forever.
This national celebration scheduled to be held in Bhagalpur on the centenary year of Mahatma Gandhi's arrival is not merely a festival; rather, it is a renewed pledge to walk on Bapu's path of truth, non-violence, and self-reliance. This step taken toward the security and preservation of historical sites like Lajpat Park will bestow a new identity and strength upon the cultural and historical heritage of Bhagalpur.
