Former Chief Minister M. Veerappa Moily on Saturday said that Mahatma Gandhi won over the world with his truth and non-violence. One need not bow one’s head if one is truthful, he said.

Mr. Moily was speaking after releasing ‘Lokagendina Gandhiyer’ , a Tulu book authored by retired Mangalore University College principal Uday Kumar Irvattur and published by Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy.

Former Chief Minister M. Veerappa Moily and others releasing ‘Lokagendina Gandhiyer’ , a Tulu book authored by retired Mangalore University College Principal Uday Kumar Irvattur, in Mangaluru on Saturday.
| Photo Credit:
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Gandhiji, Mr. Moily said, demonstrated that one could achieve something if one walked the path of truth, piousness, and non-violence. The word Gandhiji is a continuous source of inspiration and the present day generation should make use of the same, he said.

Stating that Gandhiji was inspired by Late Kudmul Ranga Rao of Mangaluru in his fight against untouchability, Mr. Moily said bringing out a book on him in Tulu language has thus become meaningful. He said there is a rich culture behind Tulu language and its literature.

Those who were oppressed have become Daivas in Tulu Nadu and those who had oppressed them had been revering them, Mr. Moily said. One should think twice before unleashing oppression instead of revering the vulnerable class after granting them divinity, Mr. Moily said.

The former Chief Minister said that even during Gandhiji’s time, attempts were made to discourage him through Hindu-Muslim communalism. However, truth and non-violence guided the Mahatma in the path of gaining freedom, he said.

Academy president Taranath Gatti Kapikad said works on several eminent personalities are being published by the academy in Tulu language to introduce them to the native people. He said Tulu will soon become the second official language of the State.

Mr. Irvattur said Gandhji has been an inspiration to the entire world. The retired professor said, ”There are many people who still walk the footsteps of Gandhiji.”

Mahatma Gandhi Vichara Vedike secretary N. Ismail, Kadike Trust head Mamatha Rai, Gandhi Chintana Vedike convener Harish Bantwal, Gandhi Vichara Vedike general secretary Aravinda Chokkadi, and others were present.