Indian missions worldwide mark Gandhi's 157th birth anniversary with tributes

Indian missions across Asia-Pacific and beyond marked Mahatma Gandhi's 157th birth anniversary with tributes and cultural events. The observances highlighted the enduring global resonance of his message of peace, truth and non-violence.

In Short

• Diplomats, diaspora members and local dignitaries joined commemorations across continents
• Floral tributes, bhajans and cultural performances featured prominently at multiple venues
• Beijing events included Chinese artistes and Friends of India at Jintai Museum

Indian missions in China, Japan, Pakistan and several other countries marked Mahatma Gandhi's 157th birth anniversary on Friday, highlighting the continuing relevance of his message of peace, truth and non-violence. Indian diplomats, members of the Indian diaspora and local dignitaries joined commemorative events across the world to pay tributes to Gandhi.

From Beijing and Shanghai to Tokyo, Islamabad, Kathmandu, Canberra and Wellington, the events included floral tributes, reflections on Gandhi's teachings, and musical and cultural performances. The programmes also underlined values associated with Gandhi, including peace, harmony, service and non-violence.

In Beijing, Indian Ambassador Vikram Doraiswami offered floral tributes to Gandhi at an event organised by the Indian mission. The Indian Embassy in China said in a post on X, "@EOIBeijing, together with the Indian community and Friends of India, commemorated the 157th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi at the Jintai Art Museum today." Doraiswami was joined by Yuan Xikun, curator of Jintai Art Museum, in offering floral tributes, the embassy said. A musical tribute by Chinese artistes and renditions of Gandhi's favourite bhajans by members of the Indian diaspora were part of the event in Beijing.

In Shanghai, Indian Consul General Pratik Mathur was joined by consul generals of BRICS countries in paying floral tributes to Gandhi. The Indian consulate said in a social media post that Mathur and distinguished speakers reflected on Gandhi's life, teachings and their relevance in today's world.

In Japan, Indian Ambassador Naguma Mallick joined officials and members of the Indian community in laying flowers at Gandhi's statue in Edogawa and reflecting on his legacy. The Indian mission in Tokyo said Mallick highlighted Gandhi's guiding principles and the universal values he left behind, including the spirit of "Antyodaya" - prioritising the needs of the most vulnerable - cleanliness, and service to society. Youth groups also performed devotional songs along the Edo River, carrying forward Gandhi's message of peace and non-violence.

In Islamabad, India's Charge d'Affaires Satyanjal Pandey and other members of the mission paid floral tributes to Gandhi. The mission said in a social media post, "Cd'A @DrSatyanjal and @Indiainislamabad members paid floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on the occasion of #Gandhijayanti, remembering his message of truth and non-violence."

In Nepal, the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu marked Gandhi Jayanti with Charge d'Affaires Rakesh Pandey and officials paying floral tributes. Students and teachers of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations in Nepal also sang hymns cherished by Gandhi.

In Australia, High Commissioner Nagesh Singh, along with officers and staff of the Indian mission, community leaders and members of the Indian diaspora, paid floral tributes at Gandhi's statue in Glebe Park, Canberra. The event, which also marked the International Day of Non-Violence, remembered Gandhi's ideals of truth, non-violence and peace.

In New Zealand, High Commissioner Muanpuii Saiawi, Wellington Mayor Andrew Little, MP Ayesha Verrall, Indian community leaders and other dignitaries paid floral tributes to Gandhi at Wellington Railway Station. Speakers reflected on Gandhi's life and teachings and their relevance in the contemporary world, while women and children presented dance and musical performances.

In Bahrain, Charge d'Affaires Rajiv Kumar Mishra paid floral tributes to Gandhi, with the Indian mission highlighting his enduring legacy of peace, truth and ahimsa, or non-violence. In South Korea, members of the Indian Embassy, the Indian community and others paid floral tributes at Gandhi's bust at Yonsei University in Songdo to mark his birth anniversary.

Gandhi Jayanti was also observed by Indian missions in other countries, including Mongolia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and Turkiye, as missions across regions marked the occasion with tributes and recalled Gandhi's message of peace, truth and non-violence.

With PTI Inputs

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