Amid terror & wars, UN chief's Gandhi Jayanti message: 'It is time to usher in…'

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his 152nd birth anniversary. On the occasion, he stressed the need to 'usher in a new era of peace & tolerance'. Guterres urged countries to pay heed to the peace activist's message of non-violence. Globally, Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary is observed as the international day of non-violence. The year 2021 marks the 152nd birth anniversary of Gandhi, who was born in 1869 in Gujarat. The resolution to observe his birthday as international non-violence day was adopted by UNGA on June 15, 2007. It was passed with a goal to secure a culture of peace, tolerance with teachings of Mahatma. Mahatma, who is known as the father of the nation, was a lawyer & anti-colonial nationalist. Mahatma Gandhi played a crucial role in India's independence from British rule.