The Mahatma Padasparsha Smriti Padayatra, a poignant tribute organized as part of NIEDS’ year-long Mahatma Padamudra @ 90 program, served as a heartfelt commemoration of the 90th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi’s visit to Iringalakuda. The journey, led by NIEDS President Thomas Unniadan, embarked from Chaliyampadam, the very place where Gandhiji delivered his profound teachings during his historic visit.
The padayatra concluded at the Gandhi statue, a solemn monument erected in memory of the Father of the Nation’s visit to Iringalakuda, located at the present Rest House, once the Travancore inn where Gandhi rested. The symbolic path retraced by the participants deepened the connection to Gandhian principles and ideals.
NIEDS office bearers, including Ghulam Muhammad, K.P. Devdas, Prof. R. Jayaram, M.N. Tampan, Asalatha, Muhammadali Karukatala, P.R. Stanley, and PT George, enriched the occasion with insightful speeches, reflecting on the enduring relevance of Gandhi’s teachings in today’s world.
The participation of both NIEDS members and the wider community in the yatra underscored the collective commitment to preserving and propagating the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi. This journey not only paid homage to the past but also served as a reminder of the timeless wisdom embedded in Gandhian philosophy, inspiring individuals to uphold the principles of truth, non-violence, and social justice in their daily lives. The Mahatma Padasparsha Smriti Padayatra stands as a living tribute to the enduring impact of Mahatma Gandhi’s visit, fostering a spirit of unity and reverence for his transformative ideals.
