UNITED NATIONS: Invoking Mahatma Gandhi on his 146th birth anniversary, UN chief Ban Ki-moon today said in the current times of escalating conflicts, rising extremism and massive displacement, the Indian leader's dedication to non-violence is an "example" for the international community.
"I continue to admire his (Gandhi's) courage and conviction. Gandhi proved that non-violence, the principle and the practice, can change history. He was strongly committed to social justice," UN Secretary General Ban said at a special event organsied by the Indian Permanent Mission to the UN, marking the International Day of Non-violence commemorated on Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary.
Mr Ban said at a time of escalating conflicts, rising extremism, massive displacement and rapidly growing humanitarian need, Mahtma Gandhi's dedication to non-violence remains an "example for us all.
"On this International Day, let us recall the achievements of Mahatma Gandhi. And let us renew our commitment to non-violence and lives of dignity for all," he said.
Mahatma Gandhi's teachings can be applied across a very wide spectrum of human activities. As India embarks on a new era of change and development, Mahatma Gandhi's legacy of peace and non- violence serves as a guiding light, India's Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar said at the event attended by UN General Assembly President Mogens Lykketoft, India's Permanent Representative to the UN Asoke Mukerji among others.
"India's diplomacy is focussed today on a broad range of global issues that serve the broader interests of humanity," he said adding that through India's humanitarian operations in Yemen and Nepal, the country helped those in distress irrespective of nationality.
"...We are living up to the internationalism that Mahatma Gandhi championed. When we advocate disarmament and peaceful resolution of disputes, we are taking into the contemporary world his philosophy of active non-violence," Mr Jaishankar said.
He said Mahatma Gandhi's emphasis on upliftment of all and sustainable development is being implemented through a variety of national campaigns such as 'Swachch Bharat', 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao', 'Make in India' and 'Digital India.'
He added that growth of religious bigotry and intolerance has directly fuelled support and sponsorship of terrorism.
"Unfortunately, the world has often looked away when terrorists have attacked innocents, assuming that it is not their problem. As a believer in the indivisibility of the world and the importance of moral courage, Gandhiji would ask us all to stand up and be counted. We have faith that day may yet come," Mr Jaishankar added.
Mr Ban said the United Nations' new 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development points the way towards reducing violence, promoting harmony between people and planet, and making the world safer for all.
The UN Chief said Mahatma Gandhi showed the power of peacefully opposing oppression, hatred and injustice and demonstrated the value of the rule of law in breaking vicious cycles of vengeance.
"The United Nations stands for the peaceful resolution of disputes and for mutual respect across culture and creed," he said as he recalled his visit to the Sabarmati Ashram during his trip to India earlier this year.
Noting that it was a "privilege" to tour the 'Ashram', Mr Ban said he was especially impressed by a quote from Mahatma Gandhi framed on the wall that read 'If blood is to be shed, let it be our own'. He said Mahatma Gandhi was calling on people to refuse to kill instead, to be willing to die to save others.
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj was initially slated to attend the event but she returned to India yesterday after addressing the UN General Assembly session.
Mr Ban said his thoughts are with Ms Swaraj, "who was to have been with us today but has had to return home owing to a family emergency."
A large painting of Mahatma Gandhi by veteran Indian artist Raghuvar Dayal Parikh was also presented to Mr Ban on the occasion. During the event, an audio-visual compilation of Mahatma Gandhi's thoughts and pictures was also shown to the audience.
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