PEACE enthusiasts around the world on Tuesday celebrated the 143rd birth anniversary of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, also known as Mahatma Gandhi, who is best known for his efforts which led to India achieving its independence from British rule, and inspired movements for non-violence, civil rights and freedom across the world.

In honour of Gandhi’s work, the Indian High Commission in Guyana held a ceremony in the Promenade Gardens on, Middle Street, where a statue of Gandhi is erected in his honour.
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, in his remarks at the occasion, noted that Gandhi, having been a victim of oppression and discrimination, had dedicated his entire life to fight for justice, equality and the right to self determination, not only in India, but in South Africa as well.
PM Hinds called on everyone to reflect on Gandhi’s doctrine of non-violence and on his philosophy of love, tolerance and truth. These, he added, have not been confined to India, but are embraced around the world where people fight for freedom and self determination; in this regard it is appropriate that the struggles of Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela be recalled.
The Prime Minister pointed out that Gandhi’s teachings have also influenced Guyana in its effort to protect, without distinction of race, creed, or religion, the fundamental basic rights of every one.
The lessons learnt from Gandhi’s approach to social changes are no less relevant to today’s world, where the absence of peace in many parts creates immense suffering to humankind, he noted.
Indian High Commissioner, Puran Mal Meena remembered Gandhi for his humility and regarded him as the architect of freedom fighting through non-violent means.
He highlighted that in 2007 the United Nations General Assembly declared Gandhi’s birthday on October 2 as an ‘International Day of Non-Violence’. It is also a national holiday in India.
Georgetown Mayor, Hamilton Green and Member of Parliament, Ronald Bulkan also outlined Gandhi’s achievements.
Gandhi was born and raised in a Hindu community in coastal Gujarat, and was trained in law in London. He became famous by fighting for the civil rights of Muslim and Hindu Indians in South Africa, using the new techniques of non-violent civil disobedience that he developed.
After assuming leadership of the Indian National Congress in 1921, Gandhi led nationwide campaigns for easing poverty, expanding women’s rights, building religious and ethnic amity, ending untouchability, increasing economic self-reliance, and the achievement of Swaraj -the independence of India from British domination.
“Freedom is not worth having if it does not include the freedom to make mistakes”, and, “I cannot teach you violence, as I do not myself believe in it; I can only teach you not to bow your heads before any one even at the cost of your life,” are some of Gandhi’s sayings relating to freedom, violence, love, unity and humility.