The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957)(about) |
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Monday 9 February 1948
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Packed congregation pays
tribute to Gandhi
THERE were moving scenes at a combined service
for Mahatma Gandhi in the packed Assembly Hall yesterday afternoon.
The * entire congregation Hindus, Mohammedans, and Christians-joined in singing Lead Kindly Light, Gandhi's favourite hymn.
Hindu and Moslem members of the Indian cricket team offered prayers
lor Gandhi.
Kishenchand and Rangachary, who chanted two Hindu hymns, were visibly affected. Amir Elah!, a Mo- hammedan, read extracts from the
Koran.'
In acknowledgment of the univer- sality of Gandhi's doctrine of peace, and of his devoted service to hu- manity, the RevC. B. a. Chambers
read a brier lesson irom the sermon on the Mount.
The congregation passed a resolu- tion of sympathy, which will be sent to the Governments of India and Pakistan and to Gandhi's family. It pays a tribute to his life and work as one who had earned a place "among the truly great of all time."
In accordance with Hindu religious practice, a life-light burned before the garlanded picture of Gandhi. The light symbolised the eternal spirit of
the man.
The congregation included Dr H. V. Evatt, Minister for External Af- fairs; all the members of the Indian cricket team, Mr W. H. Jeanes, secre- tary of the Australian Board of Con- trol, and several interstate delegates.