Gandhi Hill in Tarapet, behind Vijayawada Railway Station, witnessed Gandhi Jayanti celebrations on Friday, with members of the Gandhi Hill Foundation (GHF), Vijayawada, and the Andhra Pradesh Gandhi Smarak Nidhi (APGSN) paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi.

As part of the 157th Gandhi Jayanti celebrations, the organisations conducted competitions for schoolchildren to familiarise the younger generation with Gandhian principles and values.

GHF chairman Gandhi P.C. Kaza said Gandhi Hill occupied a significant place in Vijayawada’s history as a memorial to the Mahatma and his association with the freedom movement. Recalling Gandhi’s visit to Vijayawada, he said the Mahatma had addressed people and inspired them to participate in the national movement.

The hill, marked by a prominent statue of Gandhi, also houses memorials and facilities dedicated to his life and philosophy. It has traditionally been a venue for Gandhi Jayanti programmes and activities highlighting the values of truth, non-violence and social responsibility, he said.

Mr. Kaza said Gandhi Hill was not merely a monument but a reminder of Vijayawada’s contribution to the freedom struggle and Gandhi’s call for ordinary citizens to participate in the national movement.

The Gandhi Hill Foundation, established in 1968, manages the Gandhi Memorial Stupa, museum and library. It has been undertaking efforts to restore the facilities on the hill and revive the memorial as a centre for Gandhian thought, education and public engagement.

Former Chief Vigilance Commissioner of the Government of India K.V. Chowdary, IIT-Hyderabad Director B.S. Murthy, Efftronics Systems Pvt. Ltd. CEO D. Ramakrishna, GHF vice-chairman Jandyala Shankar, APGSN vice-chairman D. Chakrapani and GHF secretary Y. Ramachandra Rao spoke on the occasion.