Gandhi Smriti, a book authored by Dr Hattikal to promote Gandhian philosophy
Dr Nitinchandra Hattikal, who promotes Gandhian principles and works Bapu Chintan, a book by Dr Hattikal Gandhi Smriti, a book authored by Dr Hattikal to promote Gandhian philosophy Dr Nitinchandra Hattikal, who promotes Gandhian principles and works Bapu Chintan, a book by Dr Hattikal Gandhi Smriti, a book authored by Dr Hattikal to promote Gandhian philosophy Dharwad : Dharwad-based jaundice specialist Dr Nitinchandra Hattikal has been promoting Mahatma Gandhi ’s principles across north Karnataka through books, workshops, student activities and annual Gandhi Jayanti programmes since 1980. Dr Hattikal completed his MBBS at Govt Medical College, Ballari, in 1978 and began practising in Dharwad in 1980. The organisation has conducted Gandhi Jayanti programmes every year since 1980. Speaking to TOI, Hattikal, 74, said, “I have written two Kannada books on Gandhi, ‘Gandhi Smriti’ and ‘Bapu Chintan’. In 1998, Siddaveer Satsang began celebrating Gandhi Jayanti among inmates of Dharwad Central Jail.
“I also visit villages and interact with residents and students to promote Gandhian thought and encourage them to follow the Gandhian path in their lives,” Hattikal said. Hattikal said it was the first organisation to introduce the practice there, following which jail authorities allowed other groups to conduct similar programmes. Hattikal said youngsters needed greater awareness about Gandhi’s work, contribution and emphasis on non-violence and honesty. Families should encourage children and grandchildren to read about Gandhi’s life and sacrifices, which could inspire them to lead peaceful and honest lives, he said.
He later opened a clinic and became known as a jaundice specialist. Inspired by Gandhian thought since childhood, he embraced principles such as self-reliance and non-violence in his personal and professional life, particularly while serving rural communities. Fondly known as the ‘Gandhian doctor’, Hattikal is a familiar figure among patients and residents of Dharwad. He established Siddaveer Satsang in Dharwad with like-minded people from different professions with the objective of promoting and spreading Gandhian ideals. I distribute them among students during visits to schools and colleges in urban and rural areas and also give them to patients to encourage them to follow Gandhian philosophy. Thousands of copies have been distributed so far. Siddaveer Satsang regularly organises workshops, seminars, debates, drawing competitions and other activities to familiarise students and youngsters with Gandhi’s life and philosophy. He is also associated with organisations spreading Gandhian ideals in the Hubballi-Dharwad twin cities. He credited his parents, Murugeppa and Parvatamma, and spiritual gurus Siddaveer Swami and Rudramuni Shivachayara with inspiring him to follow the Gandhian path. Hattikal has received the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award, Basavaraj Mansur Award and Arogya Ratna, among other honours, for his work.
Stay updated with the latest Hubballi news. Siddaveer Satsang members Basavaraj Talikoti and Wilson Maily, among others, praised Hattikal’s efforts, saying the organisation’s activities encourage students to become responsible citizens and embrace Gandhian principles. Download the TOI App.