Venkatesh Iyer
NEW DELHI, Oct 2: The 151st birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi was celebrated in various SAARC countries with reverence and fanfare on Friday.
Bhutan
Dasho Paljor J Dorji, the Special Advisor to the National Environment Commission, in a short video message said Gandhiji’s books inspired him to accept his failures in life and overcome them and that has helped him a great deal in his life and to treat and receive success with humility and gratitude. The message was later re-twitted by Indian embassy in Bhutan, “we are privileged to have the august presence of Dasho Paljor Dorji in this morning function to celebrate Gandhi@150”.
Pakistan
The High Commission of India in Islamabad, Pakistan tweeted “High Commission of India in Pakistan celebrated #GandhiJayanti today, marking the two year celebrations of 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma. Floral tributes to Bapu commenced the programme. Life and teachings of Bapu were recollected through recitation and songs. A documentary on Mahatma Gandhi was screened. Charge D’Affaires Gaurav Ahluwalia highlighted the values and ideals popularized by the Mahatma.”
Sri Lanka
High Commission of India in Colombo, Sri Lanka tweeted “A touching gesture by Hon PM@PresRajapaksa who paid a tribute to #MahatmaGandhi on his birth anniversary at Temple Trees in #Sri Lanka along with officers of the High Commission of India.”
In a series of tweets, the Indian High Commission also mentioned #Mahatma Gandhi was a son of #India but he belongs to the world at large. He believed that a truly independent India is bound to help its neighbours. The philosophy of #VasudhaivaKutumbakam – the world is one family – is India’s eternal principle.”
“Truth and non-violence are as old as the hills #MahatmaGandhi said. These precepts also given to the world by the Buddha continue to be the bedrock of the idea of India”
#Although it’s been more than 70 years since #MahatmaGandhi departed from our midst, his life continues to be a guiding light. Mahatma Gandhi led Indian National Movement for Independence inspired countries and leaders around the world for Swaraj (self rule).”
This #GandhiJayanti is extra special as its marks the culmination of two years long celebrations of Mahatma Gandhi’s 150th Birth Anniversary and his profound legacy all over the world.”
The consulate general of India in Hambantota, Sri Lanka also tweeted “Celebration of Gandhi Jayanthi at Mahinda College, Galle where Bapu visited in 1927 during his journey to Sri Lanka.”
The consulate general of India in Jaffna, Sri Lanka Twitted “Grand finale of Gandhiji’s 150th birth anniversary celebrated this morning (2nd Oct) in Jaffna at Ariyalai Gandhi Community Centre and Cargill Square Gandhi statute with floral tributes, release of souvenir & prize giving. Participants included MPs, religious and party leaders, Jaffna University VC and Professors, senior Government officials & Gandhian followers.”
Bangladesh
The High Commission of India in Bangladesh tweeted “@ihddhaka presents Video Montage of Commemorative events held to mark 150th birth anniversary of #Mahatma Gandhi”
Afghanistan
The Indian embassy at Kabul, Afghanistan tweeted “@IndianEmbKabul celebrated #GandhiJayanti2020 in Kabul today, which also marked the two years of celebrations in commemoration of the 150th Birth Anniversary of the Mahatma. A documentary on life & work of Mahatma Gandhi was screened. Speaking on the occasion, Amb Shri Rudendra Tandon emphasized relevance of Gandhian ideals & called for making Swachh Bharat campaign a part of our daily life.”
The Indian Embassy in Kandahar, Afghanistan tweeted “The CGI commemorated #GandhiJayanti today. The event was followed by swachhta abhiyaan and planting of tree saplings.”
Nepal
The embassy of India, Kathmandu tweeted “Embassy celebrates 151st Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. Ambassador Shri Vinay Mohan Kwatra paid floral tributes to Gandhi Ji to mark the occasion
Meanwhile, according to a statement issued by the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu, India on the occasion of 151st birth anniversary of the Mahatma has donated 41 ambulances and 6 school buses to several organisations across 30 districts of Nepal working in the fields of health and education in Nepal.
Maldives
The High Commission of India in Maldives tweeted “Marching #India to freedom!. Mahatma Gandhi led the movement to free#India from the yoke of colonialism and repression; in doing so, he inspires freedom movements across the world”