Port Blair, Oct 07: A seminar on the topic “How the younger generations are influenced by Films on the life of Mahatma Gandhi” was held in the JNRM auditorium today.
Dr R.N. Rath, HoD, Political Science, who chaired the seminar described how the Gandhian principles continue to be relevant even in the changed environment of the present-day world. He felt that efforts should be made to constantly revive interest in the life and teachings of Gandhiji. Mr. Francis Xavier, HoD English, described how JNRM has made it a tradition to select a different topic each year for the Gandhi Jayanti week seminar. Speaking about the power of the film as a medium of mass communication he mentioned a few films that had a strong impact on the minds of the younger generations. He commended the film “Gandhi – the Mahatma made by Mr. Naresh Chander Lal and mentioned how Gandhiji played an important role in improving the living conditions of the political prisoners in the Cellular Jail National Memorial during the freedom struggle .
Mr. Madan Mohan Singh, popular speaker and historian described some events in the history of Port Blair during the Quit India Movement, the day Gandhiji died and the installation of the statue of Gandiji in Port Blair by the first President of India Dr. Babu Rajendra Prasad.
Dr Anjani Kumar Srivastav, Assistant Professor, Department of Hindi described some films based on the life of Gandhijji and their impact on the life of the younger generations. He felt that there is more need for the younger generations to learn from the life of Gandhiji. Dr Shashi Kumar Singh, Assistant Professor, Department of Hindi felt that more films should be made reflecting different aspects of the life Gandhiji. Mr. Prasada Rao T., Assistant Professor, Department of History felt that Gandhiji will always remain relevant because of the universal nature of his principles. Ms Scholastica, student of M.A., English gave a brief account of various popular films made on the life of Gandhiji. Mr K. Venkatesan, HoD, Home Science narrated his experiences as a student at Gandhi Gram and the deep impact they left on his mind. Dr. Iqbal Ahamad, Principal, JNRM wanted the students to pay more attention to the life of Gandhiji and accept him as their role model.
The entire programme was coordinated and conducted by Dr. R.V.R. Murthy, Associate Professor, Department of Political Science.
