GANDHI Memorial Day (January 30) was observed as Anti-Religious Chauvinism Day by the Tamil Nadu Platform for People’s Unity in more than 30 districts across the state.

At every programme, the day was marked by a collective pledge taken by all participants. The text of this pledge is as follows:

Pledge on the Martyrdom Day of Mahatma Gandhi

Beloved Leader!

You fought against imperialism and against the fanaticism of Sanatana ideology. Because of this, you were assassinated on this day by Nathuram Godse.

In your name, we take this pledge:

We remember the freedom struggle that you led against British imperialism.

We will continue that legacy without compromise!

Today, we will fight against American imperialism, which deprives nations across the world of their freedom and sovereignty!

We will fight against the injustice of imposing a 500% tariff on India!

We will fight against the continuing frenzy of Godse’s ideological heirs and their hatred and violence against Muslims and Christians!

We will fight against conspiracies that seek to ignite communal riots by misusing the Karthigai Deepam at Thirupparankundram!

We will fight against the dismantling of the employment guarantee scheme for the rural poor and the removal of your name from it!

We will fight against the strategies of Sanatana extremists who destroy religious harmony and disrupt the peaceful coexistence of all people, including Hindus!

We will fight against the injustice of usurping the rights of our state through the Governor!

We pledge to defend the Constitution of the Republic of India and the unity of the people as our very life!

EVENTS ACROSS TAMIL NADU

Chennai: In Chennai, a seminar was held at Thakkar Baba Vidyalaya, Vinoba Hall. Comrade Kumar, Coordinator of Chennai Makkal Medai, presided over the seminar. The pledge was read out by Dr. Ponnuraj, former Adviser to the President of India, Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, and was repeated by all participants.

At the seminar organised by the Tamil Nadu Platform for People’s Unity, leaders of political parties and prominent personalities spoke about the growing danger of communalism in Tamil Nadu.

Madurai: In Madurai city, a human chain was organised with the participation of Selvam, District Coordinator, along with leaders of various political parties and prominent public figures.

Comrade Arunan, Coordinator of TNPPU, delivered the concluding address and brought the programme to a close.

Coimbatore: In Coimbatore city, the observance took the form of a seminar presided over by K. S. Kanagaraj, District Coordinator of Coimbatore.

Prominent participants included Mr. Peter Alphonse of the Congress Party, senior CPI(M) leader Comrade G. Ramakrishnan, and several other personalities.

Other Districts: In all other districts, leaders garlanded the statues of Mahatma Gandhi, and the pledge was taken collectively by the participants.

It is significant to note that leaders and participants from Hindu, Muslim, and Christian communities took part in the events.