The students sold Mahatma Gandhi’s autobiography ‘My Experiments with Truth’ for a day across Mumbai. This was an innovative attempt to inculcate Gandhian values in the heart and soul of the general public. The literature was arranged by ‘Sarvodaya Samstha’, a Non-Governmental Organization and the proceeds of the sale from the event would go to an Old Age Home located in Mumbai. Hence, the relevance of the event was three-fold. It aimed to provide a platform for the students to apply the concepts learnt in class to real life situations, to inculcate Gandhian philosophy and ideas in the minds of the people and to help the NGO achieve its social objectives.
The event was successfully conducted on 2nd October, 2007. A total of 170 students from NITIE took up the task of selling the inventory and generating awareness about Gandhian philosophy. Some of them hit the streets, while others put up stalls at Big Bazaars and Food Bazaars across Mumbai which attracted a huge number of buyers. The students were able to sell a huge number of copies of the coveted autobiography ‘My Experiments with Truth’ by M.K. Gandhi. The enthusiasm and dedication of the students paid off as they were able to achieve a sales figure of 51,700 rupees. The entire money earned through sales would go to an Old Age Home in Mumbai.
The event was a huge success and a wonderful experience for the students as well. Vijit Banthia, a student, said, “Mahatma Gandhi’s teachings are of great importance to every Indian. Our aim is to reinstate those teachings in the minds of the people though our effort.” Another student, Bharat Ram Kumar said, “It is not only a tribute to the Father of our Nation, but also an occasion to contribute to society and give something back to it.” The success of the event proves that Gandhian ideas and philosophy are as relevant now as they were 50 years back.