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OP-ED DECEMBER 23, 2022 | The Indian Eye 12

A tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at

the United Nations

SAJI CHARUVIL THOMAS an independence movement and pioneer of the
non-violence philosophy, as an occasion to dissem-
A inate the message of non-violence. The Portrait of
statue of Mahatma Gandhiji, the founding
Gandhi was displayed at the UN GA Hall.
father of India, was unveiled at the United
Global Indian Council Leaders’ views of Ma-
Nations headquarters on the North lawn,
among other statues and artifacts, on 14th Dec hatma Gandhi, on the occasion of Gandhiji’s bust
2022, which is meticulously translated as a proud was unveiled at the United Nations’ headquarters
historic moment for Indians worldwide. The bust on the North lawn on 14th Dec 2022.
was a gift to the United Nations from India, which “The great Mahatma who touched the hearts
holds the Security Council’s presidency this month. of the villagers of India and who became potential
for our freedom, everlasting respect and honor to
India’s External Affairs Minister Subrah- Gandhiji”, stated P C Mathew, President of Global
Indian Council.
manyam Jaishankar said, “Today, when Mahatma Gandhi fought for the freedom

the world grapples with violence, armed of India and won. He inspired and lit the fire ev-
erywhere for fights against shackles of all kinds.
conflicts, and humanitarian emergencies, Shackles of colonization, race, and gender as well.
these Gandhian ideals must continue to It is appropriate that Mahatma Gandhi’s statue is
being put up in the UN as the epitome of Freedom,
guide our actions in ensuring peace and Peace & Tolerance: - Jija Harisingh, GIC Goodwill

stability around the world.” Ambassador.
Mahatma, as the father of a great nation, was
trying to put himself last among all his fellow- crea-
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called tures. This mindset is what we do not see among
Gandhi an uncompromising advocate for peaceful our current political leaders and even the so-called
co-existence, non-discrimination, and pluralism. religious leaders. Let the statue of Mahatma
He said the bust would serve as a reminder of the Gandhi at the UN headquarters remind the Global
values Gandhi upheld. The United Nations and leaders and Nations about his still relevant princi-
the principle of Gandhi’s non-violence are wanted ples: remarked Prof. Joy Pallattumadom, VP GIC.
more than ever and are needed at this time of trials force at the disposal of mankind. It is mightier than Gandhiji, who laid the true foundation of the
humanity faces. Let’s break the division among na- the mightiest weapon of destruction devised by the largest democracy in the world with the principles
tions and bring peace with non- violence messages ingenuity of man”. of non-violence, an icon of the world and an iconic
for a sustainable and politically stable world. The principle of non-violence — also known as figure of Ahimsa, will decorate the United Nations
Gandhiji’s principle of non-violence is reflect- non-violent resistance — rejects physical violence to to remind the world of the way to work towards
ed in the United Nations Charter. achieve social or political change. Often described peace: -Sudhir Nambiar, GIC, General Secretary.
Mahatma Gandhi was honored not only at this as “the politics of ordinary people,” this form of The concept of Gandhi’s non-violence became
time but from 2007 United Nations is observing his social struggle has been adopted by mass popu- more necessary at this point in life. Every Indian
birthday on October 2nd as ‘The Day of Non-Vio- lations worldwide in campaigns for social justice. must be so proud that our national father has
lence’ around the world. A special event at the UN marked the Interna- some place in the United Nations. Being an Indi-
The International Day of Non-Violence is ob- tional Day of Non-Violence, held annually on Oct. an American, Gandhi is always in our hearts. Let
served on October 2nd, the birthday of Mahatma 2nd, the birthday of non-violence pioneer Mahat- Gandhi’s message of non-violence reach the world
Gandhi, leader of the Indian independence move- ma Gandhi. for peace. Let the war stop in people’s hearts: -
ment and pioneer of the philosophy and strategy During the event, Secretary-General Ban Ki- Tom Kolath, GIC, Associate Treasurer.
of non-violence. moon (right) receives a gift from Asoke Kumar Unveiling Mahatma Gandhi’s statue in the
India co-hosted the event and South Africa Mukerji, Permanent Representative of India to UN is an utmost honor not only for Indians but
on October 2nd, 2007, at the General Assembly the UN. General Assembly President also attend- to mankind, recognizing his legacy and principles
Hall. INC leader Ms. Sonia Gandhi, former Indian ed. Singer Ustad Amjad Ali Khan and sons per- in this modern age speaks volumes. As GIC is em-
President and Foreign Minister, late Shri Pranab formed a musical concert at the event dedicated barking on it journey in integrating and connecting
Mukerji (at the time), Shri Rahul Gandhi, Rev. to Mahatma Gandhi’s life. This life-size portrait professionals of Indian origin across the globe, this
Jessie Jackson, and Congress leaders from Kerala of Mahatma Gandhi was displayed at the General recognition of Gandhi in UN is a catalyst for our
were attended Assembly Building. mission: said Dr. Anil Paulose, President, GIC NY
Introducing the resolution in the General As- Sam Kahamba Kutesa, President of the six- Chapter
sembly on behalf of 140 co-sponsors, India’s Minis- ty-ninth session of the General Assembly, greets In fact, Global Indian Council has recently
ter of State for External Affairs, Mr. Anand Shar- Sushma Swaraj, Minister for External Affairs of produced a short film “The footprints” touching
ma, said that the broad and diverse sponsorship India, at the special event on the occasion of the the life Gandhiji, which proudly won six Awards
of the resolution was a reflection of the universal International Day of Non-Violence, organized at the International Film Festival held at Mumbai
respect for Mahatma Gandhi and the enduring rel- by the Permanent Mission of India. The Day of last month.
evance of his philosophy. Quoting the late leader’s Non-Violence is commemorated on 2 October, the The Writer is a Former International Civil
own words, he said: “Non-violence is the greatest birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, leader of the Indi- Servant at the United Nations, New York

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