UN Gandhi resolution a proud moment for India: PM

Welcoming the UN resolution declaring Mahatma Gandhi's birthday on Oct 2 as the International Day of Non-Violence, the PM described it as "a proud moment for India".

Welcoming the UN resolution declaring Mahatma Gandhi's birthday on Oct 2 as the International Day of Non-Violence, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Saturday described it as "a proud moment for India".

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"Prime Minister Manmohan Singh welcomed the UN General Assembly support for an Indian Resolution declaring October 2 as the International Day of Non-Violence," a statement from the Prime Minister's Office said in New Delhi.

"He described it as 'a great tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and a proud moment for India'," the statement added.

The UNGA in New York Friday unanimously adopted a resolution piloted by India with the co-sponsorship of 142 countries to annually observe and celebrate Mahatma Gandhi's birthday as the 'International Day of Non-Violence'.

The resolution calls upon all member states, the UN system, regional and non-governmental organisations to commemorate Oct 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 mobilize support of member states after the Satyagraha Conference, titled 'Peace, Non-Violence and Empowerment', early this year.