SPEECH OF AMBASSADOR OF INDIA TO VENEZUELA, SHRI
ABHISHEK SINGH DURING THE UNVEILING OF THE FIRST STATUE OF MAHATMA GANDHI IN
VENEZUELA ON 2ND OCTOBER 2020 AT METROPOLITANA UNIVERSITY, CARACAS.
His Excellency Rubén Darío Molina,
Vice Minister for Asia, Middle East and Oceania
Rector Benjamín
Scharifker,
Verónica Rodríguez
de Guruceaga, President of Mahatama Gandhi Venezuela,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Today
is a historic day. For one, it is the
grand finale of the 150th birth anniversary celebration of Mahatma
Gandhi. There could not have been a more
befitting manner to celebrate this occasion than the inauguration of Mahatma
Gandhi’s statue at the Universidad Metropolitana in Caracas. This is the first statue of Mahatma Gandhi in
Venezuela. Indeed, this occasion at the
University is a historic one.
2. I
would like to thank Mahatma Gandhi Venezuela and its dynamic President Veronica
Rodriguez Guruceaga for her untiring efforts.
I would also like to thank the management of the Universidad
Metropolitana for their support in providing a prominent space in the Campus of
the Universidad for this priceless statue.
I would also like to thank Hon’ble Vice Foreign Minister Rubén Darío
Molina who has graced this occasion despite his other commitments.
3. Mahatma
Gandhi has a special place in the hearts of all Indians and millions across the
world. In his life time, he achieved
great feats by following the principle of non-violence and Satyagraha. There was a great message of peace for every
one and that message of non-violence is more relevant today than any other
time.
4. India
has been the finest example of adhering to Mahatma Gandhi philosophy of truth
and non-violence. We have always chosen the path of dialogue and
consultation. We have consciously chosen
the path of non violence and if there are differences, we believe that they
need to be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy.
5. I
am very proud of the fact that India is the world’s largest democracy and also
a great upholder of democratic traditions.
Gandhiji’s philosophy has strengthened our democratic ethos.
6. This
statue of Mahatma Gandhi will be a great reminder of his philosophy. I am sure the people of Venezuela would
appreciate the wisdom of Mahatma Gandhi and the relevance of his philosophy
every time they pass by this statue. It will
also be a symbol of friendship between the people of Venezuela and India.
7. I
would once again like to thank all the participants for their presence here.
8. Long
live India-Venezuela friendship.
9. Long
live the great legacy of Mahatma Gandhi.
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