150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi
To mark the commencement of the celebrations of Mahatma Gandhi's 150th Birth Anniversary, Embassy of India organized two events - the Flower Offering ceremony in the morning and the LED Projection on the 'Relevance of Bapu's message in the contemporary world' in the evening.
2. Ambassador of India to Venezuela, H.E. Mr. Rajiv Kumar Nagpal offered floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at his bust installed at Plaza Gandhi, Curicuao. During his address, Ambassador felicitated the residents around the Plaza and the Community Council to take good care of Mahatma Gandhi's bust. He invited the people present there to participate in the series of activities that Embassy of India would be organizing in two year long celebrations of the 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi who is the greatest of great souls that have been in this world. The founder of the Community Council spoke about Bapu's life and its message. A three member team of Mahatma Gandhi Venezuela informed the audience about the five pillars of Mahatma Gandhi's teachings.
3. More than 100 people including the children from a local school and representatives from Government of Venezuela attended the event.
4. The evening ceremony took off with lighting of the traditional lamp by Ambassador, his wife and the Chief Guest, H.E. Mr. Ruben Dario Molina, Vice Minister for Asia, Middle East and Oceania, Venezuelan Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The event was also attended by Venezuelan Vice Minister for Cultural Economy, Ministry of People's Power for Culture, Vice Minister for Research and Knowledge Application, Ministry of People's Power for Science, Technology and University Education and Vice Minister for Special Economic Zones, Ministry of People's Power for Industry and other dignitaries. Approximately 200 persons including Indian nationals, PIOs, friends of India participated in the celebrations.
5. In his speech, Ambassador highlighted Mahatma Gandhi's persona and belief that not only brought about the Independence of India but have also been well acclaimed throughout the world in inspiring the people to lead a peaceful and virtuous life. He also spoke about the cordial bilateral relations between the two countries and the keen interest of Venezuelans in Indian Art and Culture.
6. The Chief Guest, H.E. Mr. Ruben Dario Molina conveyed the congratulatory message of President of Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela for the occasion especially mentioning that India and Venezuela today are following the path of Peace, Sovereignty and Social Justice that Mahatma Gandhi has shown. He expressed his willingness to work with the Indian Embassy towards building a balanced, multicentral and pluripolar world of peace and joint development.
7. The LED Projection on the 'Relevance of Bapu's message in the contemporary world' was screened along with the video of Gujarati Hymn, 'Vaishnav Jan Toh Tene Kahiye Je'. The Commemorative Postage stamps on 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi were released by the Ambassador and the Chief Guest. The participants were offered light Indian refreshments at the end.
8. The event was covered by both local print media and TV channels.
Caracas
October 04, 2018
Video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Df1F9ZgOH48
