Ambassador’s Address to Mark the 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi
(October 2, 2019)
It is a matter of great honour for me to stand here to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the Father of our Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, who led India’s freedom movement through non-violent struggle.
Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals of truth, peace and non-violence inspired anti-colonial struggles in many countries in Asia and Africa, including the freedom struggle of Vietnam led by President Ho Chi Minh.
Both these leaders, with their inspirational leadership and message of human dignity and freedom, gave our people the courage and confidence to stand up to colonial powers and win their freedom.
As we celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the power of his messagesis reflected in their continued,or even stronger, relevance.
Whether it is hisphilosophy of peace and non-violence or his vision of harmony with nature, it teaches us how to deal with today’sglobal menace of extremism and terrorism; it tell us how to find a sustainable solution to climate change.
Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of VasudhaivKutumbakam – that is, the whole world is one single family, presaged by many years our aspiration for a globalized, interconnected world, and embodies India’s global outlook.
Mahatma Gandhi always set the benchmark for judging any action or policy by the impact it would create on the lives of the poorest. His vision of empowerment of the poorest today guides India’s quest for inclusive development.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Our celebration today is an important occasion for us to reflect on and reaffirm those values and ideals.
I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the Government of Vietnam and several other partner organizations who have supported the Indian Embassy’s efforts, through a year-long series of events, tobring to the people of Vietnam the ideas and messages of Mahatma Gandhi.
I am particularly grateful to the Ministry of Information and Communications of the Government of Vietnam for deciding to release today a Special Commemorative Stamp to honour the memory of Mahatma Gandhi.
Ladies and Gentleman,
Mahatma Gandhihad once said, “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” On his 150th birth anniversary, let us resolve to be the agents of change to make our world a happy, peaceful and prosperous place.
Thank you!
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