Youth urged to reject divisive politics

National Gandhi Smarak Nidhi secretary Sanjay Singh urged the youth to reject divisive politics and leaders driven by negativity, and to move forward with independent thinking.

He was speaking at a national youth and student camp held at Sabari Ashram at Akathethara near Malampuzha on Sunday. Emphasising non-violence, he called for the protection of culture, society and nature through Gandhian principles. He said South India had historically resisted communal hatred and warned that Kerala’s future should not be entrusted to those who spread division.

Mr. Singh alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi wanted to hand over Kerala’s interests to industrialist Gautam Adani, and criticised moves to commercialise institutions founded by Mahatma Gandhi. “The identity of Gandhi’s ashrams lies in their simplicity,” he said.

He further alleged that land belonging to the Sarva Seva Sangh in Varanasi had been taken over and handed to corporate interests, and claimed that the government planned to develop Sabarmati Ashram into a commercial venture. He called on Gandhians to oppose such decisions through peaceful, Gandhian methods and urged Kerala’s youth to remain vigilant in safeguarding Gandhi’s legacy.

At the function, the Gopinathan Nair Foundation Award was presented to National Gandhi Smarak Nidhi chairperson Ram Chandra Rahi for promoting Gandhian thoughts. The award, comprising ₹50,000 and a citation, was handed over by Kerala Gandhi Smarak Nidhi chairperson N. Radhakrishnan.

Leading Gandhians Gopalakrishna Panikkar, M.V.R. Menon, Binu Maruvathur, Jayachandran and T. Devan were among those present. The camp will conclude on Monday.