On 2nd October 2025, SCERT Uttarakhand came together to celebrate the birth anniversaries of Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri with deep reverence and a spirit of collective reflection. The day was marked by homage, prayer, and inspiring messages connecting the wisdom of the past with the aspirations of the present.
The program began with the flag hoisting ceremony led by Additional Director Padmendra Saklani, joined by P. K. Bist, CEO Rudraprayag, Assistant Director Dr. K. N. Bijalwan, faculty members including Sunil Bhatt, and other officials. The gathering of all faculty and staff in the SCERT ground symbolized unity and respect towards the ideals of simplicity, sacrifice, and service.
Inside the conference hall, the melodious strains of “Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram” resonated as all members sang together, evoking Gandhiji’s timeless message of peace, truth, and devotion. On this solemn occasion, Faculty Vinay Thapliyal urged everyone to remember and honor the sacrifices of those who laid down their lives for the creation of a separate state of Uttarakhand, reminding all to pray for their eternal peace.
Further, Faculty Manoj Bahuguna and Assistant Director Dr. K. N. Bijalwan shared reflections on Gandhian thoughts, highlighting their relevance for today’s society. The discussions emphasized the need to uphold values of truth, non-violence, and simplicity in personal and professional life.
In his address, Additional Director Padmendra Saklani drew connections between Gandhi’s vision and the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, stressing the importance of mother tongue in education, as Gandhi had advocated over 150 years ago. He reminded the gathering that ethical values must remain at the heart of education and nation-building. He also recited a poem that shed light on the growing dependence on technology in today’s world and its concerning impact on the younger generation.
Meanwhile, P. K. Bist, CEO of Rudraprayag, emphasized that the real duty of head offices lies in implementing development work effectively at the grassroots level, ensuring that Gandhiji’s vision of service to the people is carried forward in practical terms.
The program concluded with a collective resolve to learn from history, remain rooted in ethical values, and align educational practice with both tradition and innovation. By connecting Gandhian ideals with modern educational reforms, the event served as a reminder that progress is meaningful only when it strengthens humanity and community.