03 October 2007
Dubai: The International Day of Non-Violence will be upheld only when the doctrine is put into practice, mere lip service is not enough, said a cross section of expatriates.
The United Nations General Assembly will observe October 2 - the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, who for Indians is the Father of the Nation - as International Day of Non-Violence. Yesterday was the 138th birth anniversary of the Mahatma.
Breaking up
"The world today is breaking up on the grounds of religion, creed and poverty. We are sitting on the brink of world war three. Today, the relevance of Gandhian principles is more than ever. Mahatma Gandhi is the epitome of non-violence," said Rema Sadik, a Palestinain mother of three.
To mark the day, the Indian consulate along the Indian High School yesterday organised an event to highlight the importance of non-violence in today's world.
E. Ahamed, Indian Minister of State for External Affairs, said: "The overwhelming support of the international community to the idea of observing the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi as the UN International Day reflects the universal respect that Mahatma Gandhi commands and the enduring relevance of his philosophy."
On the sidelines of the function an exhibition to reflect on the importance of the principle of non-violence was also held. It will remain open for a week.
Over 10 schools attended the function and participated in the Exhibition on 'Gandhi and Non-Violence'.
Ahamed said Gandhi's "unique methods of mass mobilisation and non-violent action" brought down colonialism, strengthened the foundations of sovereignty, civil, political and economic rights, and greatly influenced many a freedom struggle across the world and inspired generations of leaders of various nationalities.
Respect
Shaima Abdul Elah, an Iraqi office assistant, said Iraqis have great respect for Mahatma Gandhi. She said: "If people today are under the impression that Gandhian principles are outdated they should think twice."
Shridhar Gopalan, a banker, said chapters on Gandhi and his principles of non-violence should be made compulsory in schools.
He said: "It will help future generations to create a better world for themselves. What is happening today is not a good influence on the young minds. You open the newspapers in the morning or switch on any news channel all you get to read and hear and watch is about war and bomb blasts. Even the media should play a role in promoting the teachings of Gandhi."
Shivan Pillai, a British passport holder of Indian origin, said: "People like Gandhi and Mandela (Nelson Mandela of South Africa) are just born once. I find it quite ironical that Gandhi is referred to as an 'apostle of peace' and he has never been conferred the Nobel peace prize."
By Sunita Menon
Gulf News 2007. All rights reserved.
