Taking Gandhiji's message to France

Online, October 7, 2009 (Newswire.com) - Mahatma Gandhi symbolises peace and international brotherhood. His message is spreading to France in a very special way by the efforts of Rajkumar College (RKC). The 140-year old institution in Rajkot, Gujarat has collected soil from four places where Mahatma Gandhi has been associated and has taken it to France. The soil was placed at the foundation of Mahatma Gandhi's statue in Strasbourg town on October 2nd.

Mr. V K. Thakkar, Principal, Rajkumar College, elaborated on the event: "The soil was taken from multiple places such as Porbandar, Rajkot and Pietersburg which have played a very important part in Gandhiji's life. He was born in Porbander. He studied at Alfred High School in Rajkot from 1880 to 1887 and played cricket at Rajkumar College Campus in Rajkot. Pietersburg in South Africa is the place where he was thrown out of running train despite having a First Class ticket."

Strasbourg is the seat of several important European institutions such as the Council of Europe, Eurocorps, European Parliament and the European Ombudsman of the European Union. Strasbourg's historic city centre, the Grande ÃŽle is a World Heritage site.

RKC had has a collaboration with France's oldest school, Gymnase Jean Sturm in Strasbourg. Over 15 students are visiting the oldest French school for this remarkable event. It will be followed by an exchange program. The exchange program is meant for creating awareness about the rich cultural heritage of both countries. The students of the French school will visit Rajkumar College on February 8. Association Inde Alsace, Strasbourg has played a major role in making this association possible.

RKC was established in 1870. Gymnase Jean Sturm School came into existence in 1538. The French school has produced Nobel prize winners, tennis champions, Generals and others. RKC has the record of producing 8 cricketers in the national team. It also has produced several Generals, sportsmen, IAS officers, MDs and other personalities of repute.