Remarks of Ambassador of India to Venezuela H.E. Mr. Abhishek Singh on the occasion of 153rd Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi at ‘Centro Gandhi’ in Caracas on 2nd October 2022
Mrs. Veronica Rodriguez de Guruceaga, President of Mahatma Gandhi Venezuela, Mrs. Maria Isabel Guinand, Rector, Universidad Metropolitana,
Friends,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am indeed delighted to be at the Centro Gandhi exactly a year after its inauguration. Our presence today is also a part of the regular interaction that we have with Mahatma Gandhi Venezuela and Centro Gandhi who are committed to spreading the teachings and philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi, whose 153rd birth anniversary we are celebrating today.
2. I would like to specially thank Mrs. Veronica Rodriguez de Guruceaga, President of Mahatma Gandhi Venezuela for her efforts in coordinating the activities of Centro Gandhi. Embassy of India, Caracas has partnered with Mahatma Gandhi Venezuela in its various activities to spread the philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi. On October 2, 2020, not far from this place, we inaugurated the first statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Venezuela which was gifted by the Government of India to Mahatma Gandhi Venezuela. Today also we started our activities with floral offerings at the statue.
3. Friends, Mahatma Gandhi is not only the Father of my Nation, but also one of the most respected global leaders ever. Even many decades after he left us, his philosophy and teachings still remain relevant for us to not only to reflect, but also to practice.
4. We had the chance to review the various activities of Centro Gandhi and today we will be interacting with some of those who have got a Diploma from Centro Gandhi. A discussion on the various aspects of Gandhiji’s philosophy is always refreshing and reinforces the great values of human existence i.e., peace and harmony.
5. Gandhiji’s philosophy was deeply rooted in the cultural ethos of India. His ideals were progressive and forward looking and set the stage for building up of a strong, truly democratic polity for the country coming out of centuries of colonialism. While it is known that colonialism led to unprecedented destruction of our economic resources, it should also be recalled that it did not succeed in suppressing our determination to have a society which will become an ideal for many countries around the world. Perhaps more than anyone else, the Father of my Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, laid the foundation of the peaceful coexistence of various people of various faiths, which became symbolic of what we call as ‘Unity in Diversity’.
Friends,
6. We are very encouraged by the fact that Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy generates interest amongst all generations as this is intrinsically structured to connect with the most universal of all ideals i.e., Unity and Brotherhood of entire humanity.
7. Gandhiji’s contribution to the philosophy of non-violence or Ahimsa is well known along with his emphasis on an egalitarian society based on gender equality. He was also very concerned about the development of country’s capacity and put special emphasis on the philosophy of self-reliance. While we are celebrating Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav and have entered the phase of Amrit Kal, the continued resonance of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ – self-reliant India is deeply rooted in the philosophy of Gandhiji. India has not only used its policies in various fields for the benefit of its people, but also for the entire world. During the time of Covid pandemic, India has come out as a shining example of what one country should do for fellow brothers and sisters around the world. Under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Government of India undertook perhaps the largest ever exercise in contribution to global public health by supplying Covid vaccines around the world as part of ‘Vaccine Maitri’ and also Covid-related medicines during the various phases of the Covid pandemic.
8. Friends, today is the day of celebrations. It is also a day of reflection of the core values of Gandhiji’s philosophy. In addition, it is also a day to rededicate ourselves to pursue the ideals of peace and harmony for which Mahatma Gandhi gave his whole life. I would once again like to thank Mahatma Gandhi Venezuela and Centro Gandhi for organizing today’s event and all the participants for their enthusiastic participation, which has made this special day a day to remember.
Thank you!
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