Bapu's Grand daughter in our Midst, 1 October, 2013.

On 1 October, 2013, classes 6,7, 11 and 12 had the special privilege of an interaction with Ms. Ms.Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, the grand daughter of Gandhiji.

Ms. Gandhi Bhattacharjee is very accomplished in her own right and is vice-chairperson of Gandhi Smriti, Darshan Samiti and the Kasturba Gandhi National Memorial Trust.

Ms. Gandhi Bhattacharjee addressed the students explaining the relevance of Gandhiji after more than 60 years of our independence. that asserted that despite the great changes in our world since 1947, the values from the life of Bapu remain as robust.

The guest recounted an amusing anecdote from her childhood. She said that once, as a little girl, she was introduced to a British officer by Bapu. "How do you do?" the officer said to which Ms. Tara in her attempt to exhibit her English language skills, rushed to reply rapidly in English. Seeing this Bapu took her aside later, and explained to her that she should never get carried away in any situation. Her response should always be poised and consistent.

Ms. Tara spoke at length on several subjects associated with her grandfather, interspersed with personal memories. His belief in peace and non-violence. How he would want the youth of today to mobilise themselves the maximum and determine India's destiny in this rapidly globalising world. [gallery columns="2"] This was followed by an interactive session, during which students asked about a variety of issues regarding the Mahatma. "Why did the Mahatma refuse to become the first Prime Minister of independent India?", " Does globalisation fo the loss of our Indian identity?", " Is keeping the main vrat still relevant?"

Ms. Bhattacharjee responded to each question very patiently and in great detail. She explained that the Mahatma was far far beyond any position or honour. He was and will remain only the Father of our nation. She concluded by entreating our young Indianites to tightly treasure their Indian values and heritage even as they embrace a greater westernisation and technological advancements in their daily lives

The children were undoubtedly fascinated by the experience. Several of them came and confided in their teachers how they could scarcely believe that they had been in the company of Bapu's own grand daughter! Indeed it had been a unique and unforgettable commemoration of Gandhi Jayanti for us.