Thoughts on the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and Shastri
Noida: On the occasion of the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, Noida Lok Manch General Secretary Mahesh Saxena discussed the life and thoughts of these great personalities. He expressed concern over the current social and administrative changes and said that the lives of Gandhi and Shastri inspire us with simplicity, honesty, service, discipline and dedication to the country.
Mahesh Saxena told that he is soon going to enter the eighth decade of his life. With 42 years of experience in Noida, he has witnessed the growth of the city from close quarters. According to him, in the initial years there was more communication and intimacy between officials and citizens, but with time the increase in materialism has led to changes in social relations.
He said that today there is a need to promote mutual love and brotherhood in the society. Referring to Gandhiji's thoughts, he said that it is necessary to implement values like truth, non-violence, simplicity and service in our lives instead of merely remembering them. At the same time, Shastri ji's life is an example of simplicity and dedication towards the country.
Memories related to Shastri ji
Mahesh Saxena shared a memoir related to Lal Bahadur Shastri. He told that during the India-Pakistan war of 1965, Shastri ji had called for sacrifice and cooperation from the countrymen. Inspired by his call, he resolved to skip one meal on Monday.
He said that after hearing the news of Shastri ji's demise, he had reached Delhi for his last darshan. At that time, Shastri ji's dedication towards the country and his simple life was a source of inspiration for the people.
Discussion on development of Noida
Recalling the initial days of his stay in Noida, Saxena said that from starting the industry in Sector-9 in 1985 till 2000, he got the opportunity to work with many officials and public representatives. He said that at that time officers used to easily meet common citizens and listen to their problems.
He said that till 2000, the closeness between the people living in Noida was evident, but currently due to increasing distance and busyness, that closeness has reduced. According to him, many problems can be solved at the local level by increasing communication between officials and citizens.
Need for communication between administration and citizens
Mahesh Saxena said that earlier common citizens could easily approach the officials with their problems, but now this process has become more formal. He suggested that officials should directly communicate with citizens from time to time and understand their problems.
Referring to the development of Noida, he said that the city has made remarkable progress in the last decades, but along with development, it is necessary to keep social concerns and human relations strong. Material development alone is not enough, but mutual trust, cooperation and intimacy should also be maintained in the society.
Call to adopt the ideals of Gandhi-Shastri
Mahesh Saxena said that today's generation needs to take inspiration from the lives of Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri. Gandhiji's message of truth and non-violence and Shastriji's life of simplicity and devotion are relevant even today.
He said that Gandhi-Shastri Jayanti is not only an occasion to pay tribute, but also a day to introspect on their thoughts. If the spirit of simplicity, service, discipline, mutual respect and communication is promoted in the society, then social life can be made stronger. He laid special emphasis on the need for better coordination and increasing social intimacy between citizens and administration.