Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary was marked uniquely in New York, at a special ceremony inside the United Nations, as well as a cleanliness drive at the U.N. Permanent Mission and Consulate offices.
“It is obvious that the world needs Mahatma Gandhi’s ideas more than ever today,” External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj told The Hindu .
Speaking at the U.N. on the occasion of the International Day of Non-violence, which was designated by the U.N. for Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday in 2007, Ms. Swaraj said, “The rising tide of fanaticism, ethnic nationalism, terrorism and disease are all challenges of the world today where Gandhi’s ideals need to be followed. The real issue is whether we have the courage and strength of mind to follow in his footsteps and practise what he preached.”
The strains of Mahatma Gandhi’s favourite hymns, ‘Vaishnava Janato’ and ‘Raghupati Raghava Raja Ram’ were heard across the hall, as dignitaries from several countries attended an event for the occasion.
Ms. Swaraj handed over a painting of the Mahatma as well, which, the U.N. Deputy Secretary General Jan Elliasson said “would occupy pride of place inside the building.” Mr. Elliasson also remarked on conflicts in different parts of the world, adding that “minorities feel threatened around the world.” The painting, presented to the president of the U.N. General Assembly Sam Kutesa, had been made by artist Raghuvir Dayal Pathak, who has drawn portraits that hang inside Parliament House, as well as a portrait of Nelson Mandela that was handed over to the South African Foreign Minister a few days earlier.
Meanwhile, like in India, New York missions of India joined the cleanliness drive announced by the government, sweeping the streets outside the U.N. Permanent Mission as well as the Consulate in the city.
The memorial at the United Nations where Ms. Swaraj laid a wreath for U.N. peacekeepers killed in action, was also swept and cleaned by diplomats from the Indian mission.
