Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan on Tuesday highlighted the enduring relevance of Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals of simplicity, service and social responsibility during a visit to the Harijan Sevak Sangh at the historic Gandhi Ashram in New Delhi, where he inaugurated the Mahadev Desai Library Extension.
Addressing the gathering, the Vice-President said the expansion of the library was not merely an addition of physical infrastructure but a reaffirmation of the belief that knowledge remains the most powerful instrument of social transformation. He described libraries as vital spaces that nurture values, awareness and social change.
During his visit, V-P Radhakrishnan also toured the Kasturba Museum, located within the Ashram, recalling the simple life led by Mahatma Gandhi and Kasturba Gandhi during their stays in Delhi in the 1930s and 1940s. He termed the visit deeply emotional, noting that the austere surroundings offered a powerful reminder of the sacrifice, discipline and determination that defined India’s freedom struggle.
Reflecting on Gandhiji’s personal journey, the Vice-President recalled how Gandhi’s encounter with the poverty of Indian farmers led him to abandon Western attire in favour of the dhoti, symbolising his lifelong commitment to identifying with the masses. He also spoke about Gandhi’s advocacy of Swadeshi, citing his opposition to India’s raw cotton being processed abroad and sold back to the country.
Describing the Harijan Sevak Sangh as a seed sown by Mahatma Gandhi, V-P Radhakrishnan said the organisation has played a crucial role in combating social evils such as untouchability through education, awareness and service. Emphasising moral values, he said that birth does not define whether a person is good or bad; it is character that truly defines an individual.
The Vice-President recalled the life of former President K. R. Narayanan, noting that the Harijan Sevak Sangh had supported his education and helped shape his remarkable journey. He expressed confidence that the organisation would continue to nurture individuals of integrity and conscience through its dedicated service.
Highlighting the relationship between the individual and society, V-P Radhakrishnan said every citizen has a responsibility to give back, underlining that service to society is both a moral duty and a cornerstone of nation-building.
He also paid tribute to Gujarat’s contribution to the nation, acknowledging Mahatma Gandhi for India’s freedom, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel for national unity, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the country’s development.
As part of the programme, the Vice-President released the book “Age of Enlightenment: Mahatma Gandhi’s Vision” authored by Prof. Dr. Sankar Kumar Sanyal, and paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi, Thakkar Bapa and Vinoba Bhave.
Several dignitaries, including Prof. Dr. Sankar Kumar Sanyal, President of Harijan Sevak Sangh, former MP Naresh Yadav, and Laxmi Dass, former Chairman of KVIC, were also present on the occasion.
