Thane: Gandhi Jayanti was celebrated under the leadership of the Thane Shahar District Congress Committee with the message that Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals should not remain confined to mere admiration but should be put into practice through action. Among the various social service activities organized under the guidance and initiative of Thane Congress President Rahul Pingale, a special cleanliness drive at the Thane railway station premises was particularly noteworthy.

The programme began with a floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi’s statue at Gandhi Udyan in Talao Pali. This was followed by a group rendition of “Raghupati Raghav Rajaram,” one of Mahatma Gandhi’s favourite bhajans, by elected representatives and party workers.

Subsequently, Congress workers, along with employees of the Thane Municipal Corporation, jointly conducted a cleanliness drive at the western side of Thane railway station. After taking a collective pledge in front of the statue of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, party workers took up brooms and cleaned the surrounding area. The cleanliness programme was held from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., with senior leader and former MP Kumar Ketkar attending as the chief guest.

As part of the celebrations, a drawing competition for children was also organized under the leadership of Congress Block No. 10. Children expressed their thoughts through drawings on the themes “Gandhiji’s Ideals” and “Swachh Bharat.”

State office-bearers, block presidents, cell presidents, and representatives and workers from various wings of the party, including Mahila Congress, Seva Dal and Youth Congress, participated in the programme.