Gandhi’s great grandson: Don’t be swayed by divisive thoughts

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, February 14

Dr Anand Gokani, the great grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, has called upon fellow citizens in general and the youth in particular not to be swayed by divisive thoughts and continue their trust in secular and democratic values as enshrined in the Indian Constitution.

Accompanied by his family members and Congress leaders Raj Kumar Verka and Jugal Kishore Sharma, he was here on Friday to pay obeisance at the Golden Temple and pay tributes at the Jallianwala Bagh. Dr Gokani’s mother Usha was the daughter of Ramdas Gandhi, who was the third son of Mahatma Gandhi.

He said in a secular country, all religions were given equal respect. He said the national discourse of majority and minorities could be changed with words and action towards compassion and welfare of all.

Meanwhile, the Jallianwala Bagh was closed for visitors from February 14 to April 12 due to renovation work being carried out under the supervision of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The renovation work would cost around Rs 20 crore.

The old structure around the martyrs’ well would be replaced with glass walls so that the visitors could have a clear view of the inside of the well. A new light and sound show system is being installed. The 50-seat auditorium on the first floor is being revamped with a 3-D projection system to showcase documentaries.