Citizens have key role in social responsibility: Governor

Thiruvananthapuram: Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar said that social responsibility cannot be left to govts alone and that citizens and committed organisations have an important role to play in identifying societal needs and addressing them effectively. He was speaking after inaugurating the yearlong silver jubilee celebrations of Gandhi Bhavan International Trust at Gandhi Bhavan, Pathanapuram, Kollam, on Tuesday. Governor called upon citizens to move beyond personal concerns and work for larger social good.He lauded the trust's founders and volunteers for overcoming numerous challenges to build a lasting institution focused on public welfare. He urged society to draw inspiration from such service-oriented efforts and actively contribute to community development. Addressing the gathering, Arlekar praised Gandhi Bhavan for its sustained commitment to society, particularly in the fields of healthcare, education and welfare of disabled persons. He said the institution's journey over the past 25 years stands as a model of selfless service inspired by Mahatma Gandhi's ideals.Governor emphasised the importance of Indian cultural values and appreciated Gandhi Bhavan's initiatives to establish educational institutions rooted in Bharatiya traditions.As part of the silver jubilee celebrations, various events such as charity gatherings, social, cultural, literary and human meetings, industrial transformation projects, startup consortia and expatriate gatherings will be implemented with mass participation at different locations. Continuous awareness programmes will be organised through schools during this period for nature conservation and drug control. Programmes were initiated with the hope that closing ceremony would be inaugurated by President of India.The event, presided over by Gandhi Bhavan patron K Dharmarajan, was addressed by Sivagiri Sree Narayana Dharma Sangham Trust general secretary Swami Shubangananda, Gandhi Bhavan managing trustee Punalur Somarajan and managing director B Sashikumar.