Embassy of India

Caracas, Venezuela

Grand Finale of 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi

        3-events were organised in Venezuela in celebrations of Grand Finale of 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi on 2 October 2020:- at Mahatma Gandhi's Bust, Gandhi Square, Caricuao, at Gandhi Hall, Gran Fraternidad Universal, Maracay and at Universidad Metropolitana, Caracas - duly following the Covid-19 protocols.

2.     Ambassador of India, H.E. Shri Abhishek Singh and Vice Minister for Asia, Middle East and Oceania, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Mr. Ruben Dario Molina and Representative of the Caricuao community, Ms. Lorena Matos offered floral tribute at Mahatma Gandhi's Bust in Caricuao in the morning. In his address, Ambassador urged everyone to make Gandhiji's dream of peaceful coexistence a reality and highlighted how Gandhiji's views on non-violence, gender equality, self-reliance and cleanliness continue to guide people and nations. Vice Minister spoke about Mahatma Gandhi's legacy of peace and non-violence and emphasized how it should be followed in today's world. Ms. Matos also shared her thoughts on Mahatma Gandhi. The winners of the painting competition organised by the Embassy of India to mark the occasion were announced by Ambassador who also gave gifts to a few students of the community who gathered inside the Gandhi Hall.

3.     The celebration at Gandhi Hall, Gran Fraternidad Universal (GFU), Maracay was spread over 3 days and consisted of on-line talks by many learned speakers along with floral tribute by Director of Ashram No. 1, GFU and a recorded speech by Ambassador of India. Ambassador mentioned about the strong principles of Mahatma Gandhi forming the basis of his political and social work.

4.     The first Statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Venezuela received from Indian Council for Cultural Relations, Government of India, New Delhi was unveiled by Ambassador, Vice Minister of Asia, Middle East and Oceania, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Rector of Metropolitana University and President of Mahatma Gandhi Venezuela at Universidad Metropolitana Caracas in the afternoon. Ambassador informed the attendees how Gandhiji's philosophy has strengthened India's democratic spirits and remarked that the statue would be a great reminder of his legacy in Venezuela. Vice Minister, Rector of the University and President of the Mahatma Gandhi Venezuela also addressed the gathering. 

Caracas
5.10.2020