THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Even when Gandhiji is hailed as the Father of the Nation, his principles have few takers now, said Union Defence Minister A K Antony, after inaugurating the Sarva Dharma Bhavan constructed by the Kerala Gandhi Smaraka Nidhi (KGSN) on the Gandhi Bhavan compound here on Tuesday.
Committed Gandhians have come down in numbers, even people with considerable influence in the society have taken to luxury and greed, killing the principles that are left in the society, Antony rued.
The Defence Minister said that his connection with the KGSN dates back to the time of Marad conflicts when he had sought the help of Gandhians led by P Gopinathan Nair to play the role of peace mediators.
“Political conflicts and religious riots happen because there is apparent loss of tolerance in society. One is not ready to accept other person’s faith or viewpoint, which creates most of the issues” he said.
Working chairman of KGSN N Radhakrishnan said that Sarva Dharma Bhavan became possible due to the MP fund allotted by Antony. He said that Gandhi Peace clubs were being formed in schools in the state. “Our dream is to open a Gandhi peace cell in one school at least in all panchayats in the state,” he said.
Chief Minister Oommen Chandy who was present to greet the Union Defence Minister left the venue before the functions began. KGSN chairman P Gopinathan Nair, Arch Bishop Soosa Pakiam, former Imam of Palayam Maulavi Hamsa Farooqi, Sree Ramakrishnasramam former head Swami Lokahitananda and KGSN secretary V Ramdas were also present.