Dharamshala — The Tibetan administration Friday celebrated the 146th birthday of Mahatma Gandhi and the International Day of Non-Violence, known as the "World Non Violence Day" which is observed every year on October 2, since 2007.
"Gandhi Jayanti" is considered as a day to spread the message of non-violence across the world and promote it through various educational programs as per a resolution passed by the UN General Assembly on 15 June 2007.
On this day, several public awareness programs, such as street awareness campaigns, seminars and discussions are organised by government and non-governmental organisations.
The Tibetan special function was held at the Kashag secretariat, Dharamshala, India and attended by Kalons and Secretaries of the various departments of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA).
Religion and Culture Minister Mr Pema Chhinjor, officiating as the Sikyong offered a Tibetan traditional scarf to a portrait of the Mahatma after hoisting the Indian national flag and singing the Indian national anthem, as a tribute to his non-violent and peaceful methods of freedom struggle.
Speaking to reporters, Mr Chhinjor said, "On this auspicious occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, we offer our profound reverence to Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhiji was a great person born in this great nation. He has shown the world ahimsa, the path to a peaceful freedom movement and the world today greatly appreciates it."
The Tibetan minister also said that the Middle Way Approach is similar to Mahatma Gandhi's ahimsa movement, because of its peaceful and re-conciliatory spirit. In fact Tibetans can learn the art of simplicity from his example."
Therefore, as tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, "the father of Indian nation," Mr Chhinjor rededicated the Tibetan movement to Ahimsa and Mahatma Gandhi's peaceful and non-violent pursuit of freedom."
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, popularly known as Mahatma Gandhi was born in Porbandar, Gujarat on October 2, 1869. His non-violent movement was an essential during India's freedom struggle against the British rule. He led nationwide movements and campaigns for India's independence, eradication of poverty, expanding women's rights, establishing Swaraj and inspired movements for non-violence, civil rights and freedom across the world.
"The International Day is an occasion to "disseminate the message of non-violence, including through education and public awareness". The resolution reaffirms "the universal relevance of the principle of non-violence" and the desire "to secure a culture of peace, tolerance, understanding and non-violence," according to the official website of the United Nations.
