A series of cultural activities was held yesterday (Martyrdom Day, January 30) to mark the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi, father of the Indian nation. There was a floral tribute at the statue of Gandhi at Kew Place by Indian High Commissioner, Shri Malay Mishra, and Minister of Information, Neil Parsanlal. A similar tribute was paid at the statue of Gandhi by Mishra at Gandhi Village, Debe, followed by devotional songs.
The relevance of the virtues and achievements of Gandhi to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago cannot be understated.
His widely acknowledged demonstration of the superiority of non-violence over violence as the preferred option for solving human problems and alleviating social conflicts can certainly bring us, as citizens of a multi-cultural society, closer to our collective goal of a safe and peaceful co-existence. He was also an ecologist to the core, simplifying his own needs and advocating a lifestyle which would not drain the earth's resources but be self-sustaining. Gandhi advocated development with a human face and spoke of the power of truth. He believed in the equality of man and the supremacy of of all religions. He deeply cherished freedom. His was a pilgrim on his quest for truth.
?Commissioner: Section proposed for National Library
?The Indian High Commission has proposed that a Gandhi section be established at the National Library in Port-of-Spain. "The High Commission is willing to provide additional books, documentaries, papers to enrichen the library on the works, philosophy and writings of Gandhi," according to Indian High Commissioner Shri Malay Mishra at the presentation of more than 100 books to Minister of Information Neil Parsanlal, yesterday, at the National Library. Mishra was marking the 62nd death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. He was assassinated on January 30, 1948, on his way to prayer by a young Hindu radical. Mishra said the collection represented not only ideas, but a summation of ideas on Gandhi's view of almost every subject in the world.
Parsanlal spoke of the high regard the world maintains for Gandhi, a simple lawyer who led the Indian people to freedom. Parsanlal added, "His works are emulatory from which all can draw lessons." Parsanlal spoke of the presence of the people of Indian origins who came here 165 years ago, starting from 1845 to 1917. "Gandhi's works in India has had a tremendous impact on the Indian people and for young politicians everywhere. He united the peoples of India," he said. Gandhi's life has influenced many people; Martin Luther King Jr looked to Gandhi as an example to bring about change for African Americans in the United States. (PR)
