Nagpur, January 30 — “At a time when an atmosphere of hatred, division and intolerance is being created in the country, the principles of truth and non-violence taught by Mahatma Gandhi are the only force that can keep India united. Drifting away from these values is harmful to the country’s unity,” said Vikas Thakre, President of the Nagpur City (District) Congress Committee and MLA from West Nagpur.

Thakre was speaking on the occasion of Shaheed Diwas, where floral tributes were offered at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi at Variety Square in Nagpur. The event was jointly organised by the Nagpur City (District) Congress Committee and the World Non-Violence Day Organising Committee.

Addressing the gathering, Thakre said, “India, built on the ideology of Mahatma Gandhi, stands for inclusiveness, democracy and adherence to the Constitution. But today, in the pursuit of power, efforts are being made to weaken these constitutional values. The Congress Party will continue its relentless fight to uphold truth, non-violence, equality, fraternity and social justice in the nation.”

Congress leaders, corporators and workers present at the event pledged to follow Gandhi’s ideals and reaffirmed their commitment to protect democracy, national unity and the Indian Constitution.

The programme saw the presence of Vikas Thakre, MLA and President of the Nagpur City (District) Congress Committee; Vilas Muttemwar, former Union Minister and Chairman of the World Non-Violence Day Organising Committee; MLC Abhijit Wanjeri, along with several Congress office-bearers and workers.