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PM welcomes global tribute to the Mahatma
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh welcomes the UN decision to observe Gandhi Jayanti as the International Day of Non-Violence, reports Aloke Tikku.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Saturday welcomed the United Nations decision to observe Gandhi Jayanti, October 2, as the International Day of Non-Violence, saying the relevance of non-violence was more important today than ever before.
Singh said the unanimous decision of the General Assembly of United Nations on Friday originated in a declaration of the International Conference on Peace, Non-violence and Empowerment: Gandhian Philosophy in the 21st Century, convened in New Delhi in January this year. The conference was organised to commemorate the centenary of the Satyagraha Movement launched by Mahatma Gandhi.
“The universal relevance of Gandhiji's message of non-violence is more important today than ever before since nations across the world continue to grapple with the threat of conflict, violence and terrorism,” Singh said.
“This is a tribute by the world community to the Father of our Nation,” he said.
For people in India, Singh said it was an occasion to re-dedicate themselves to the ideals and values of Mahatma Gandhi, which shall continue to be the guiding light for Indians.
India had piloted the resolution at the UNGA with the co-sponsorship of 142 countries to annually observe October 2 in an appropriate manner and disseminate the message of non-violence including through education and public awareness.
The unanimous adoption of the resolution in the UNGA is being seen as a triumph of India's diplomacy as New Delhi launched a spirited campaign to mobilise support of member states after the Satyagraha Conference, titled 'Peace, Non-Violence and Empowerment', early this year.
