THE People’s Progressive Party joins in the worldwide observation of the 134th birth anniversary of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, popularly referred to as the Mahatma (Great Soul).

Following is a PPP statement on the Mahatma’s birth anniversary:

October 2 is commemorated in India as Dandhi Jayanti, a national holiday, and worldwide as the International Day of Non-Violence.
Gandhi, who is revered as the father of the nation of India, during his lifetime inspired movements for non-violence, civil rights and freedom across the world, including in Guyana.
His entire life was dedicated towards the struggle to liberate people from physical and mental oppression.
Of his famous quotes, one stands out “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.”
No doubt, this is what inspired Dr. Cheddi Jagan, the architect of Guyana’s independence struggle against the British, who, like others during his time, including US Civil Rights Movement leader, Dr. Martin Luther King, were all followers of the teachings and practices of the Mahatma.
Gandhi’s message of peace and tolerance is more relevant today in the age of globalization, where religion and culture clash in many parts of the world, where we are identified more by our differences rather than our commonalities.
In Guyana, through hard and dedicated work, we, as a people, have been recognised internationally for our religious tolerance among our religious groups. However, history has always provided those who seek to divide us by playing on our sensitivities, and today is no different. It is up to us as a people to determine whether their agenda succeed or fail.
The People’s Progressive Party remains committed to further building Guyana by continuing to embrace the policies of Mahatma Gandhi that will benefit all Guyanese, regardless of race, colour or creed.