Embassy of India
Astana
***
Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi
To celebrate the 154th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the Apostle of Peace and Non Violence, designated as the International Non-Violence Day by the UN, the Embassy of India, Astana organized an event at the Rowing Kanal Embankment facing the iconic monument of the ‘Defenders of Motherland of Kazakhstan’ on 1 October 2023 in Astana. It was attended by the members of Indian community, admirers of Mahatma and friends of India in Kazakhstan.
2. Ambassador of India, Dr. T.V. Nagendra Prasad accompanied by his spouse Mrs. Padmavathi, local dignitaries, members of the Indian Mission, members of the Indian community and Indian students at Astana
Medical University paid floral tributes. Ambassador Nagendra Prasad and Hon. Mr. Bolat Nurgaliyev, Chairman of the Board of the Institute of Foreign Policy Research under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan addressed the gathering on the occasion. The Artists of Swami Vivekanand Cultural Centre of the Embassy rendered, among others, popular songs “Vaishnav Jan to ……” and De di Hame Azadi bina Khadag bina Dhaal…….”
3. In his remarks, Mr. Bolat considered M.K. Gandhi as one of the most well-known and respected personality of 20th century in the whole world. He remarked that Satyagraha movement led by Gandhi attained the Freedom for India through Peaceful and Non-Violent means like Unity and Law of Disobedience (Satyagraha). He wasn't hesitant to say that Gandhi’s philosophy of peaceful solution of any issue, love, friendship and unity became the main UN philosophy and that there should not be any division based on ethnic, religion, power might etc among the countries. He stressed that the best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others, as the path shown by this great personality of Great India.
4. The ideology of Mahatma enlightened not just India but the world as well. In 2007, the UN passed a resolution to declare the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi 2nd October, to be observed as International Non-Violence Day. In his remarks, Ambassador Nagendra Prasad, highlighted Mahatma Gandhi’s pivotal role in India's freedom struggle, universality of principles such as truth, non-violence, inter-faith harmony, democratic values, sustainable environment, social welfare etc. As a mark of respect to Mahatma Gandhi, found home across the world with his busts and statues installed at iconic locations. In Kazakhstan, two life-size statues of Mahatma Gandhi have been installed in Almaty and Astana besides busts in some institutions.
5. A century ago, Gandhiji inspired millions with his call of Swadeshi and his stress on self-reliance. The making of an Atmanirbhar Bharat, which is under way, is thus inspired by the vision of Mahatma Gandhi and is intended as a true tribute to him. The India of his dreams is a clean, a self-reliant and healthy India. The initiatives taken by the Government of the day under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi have been bearing fruits now.
6. Gandhiji showed the entire humanity the true potential and power of compassion. With the tribute to Gandhi, India renewed its commitment to walk on Gandhi’s path, the path of truth and non-violence, to promote mutual goodwill and to work towards the progress of the nation and the world.
***
01 October 2023
