Hon. Minister for Education Mrs. Leela Devi Dookun Luchoomun,

Hon. Minister of Arts & Culture Mr. Prithvirajsing Roopun,

Hon. Speaker of Delhi Legislative Assembly Shri Ram Niwas Goel,

Hon. Members of Parliament,

Colleagues from the Mahatma Gandhi Institute,

Colleagues from Mauritius Post,

Distinguished Guests,

Dear students,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am grateful to the Mahatma Gandhi Institute for arranging today’s programme. Today has an added significance as we mark the 150^th Birth Anniversary of Gandhiji across the world.

Today is also being celebrated by the global community as the United Nations International Day of Non-Violence.

Gandhiji not only remains a global icon but continues to inspire millions across the world in how he approached various aspects of life and society that we live in.

His life was a remarkable journey where he continuously evolved and adapted his perspectives and approaches. He was very alive to his times and engaged actively with the societal processes with a view to changing them for the wider good.

He engaged honestly in, what he called experiments, to find practical solutions to make progress on a range of issues of social concern. It is this continuous adaptation and approach to seek solutions for improvement that he pursued is something that is inspirational.

His bold and innovative search for ways to fight injustice through non-violent means; pursuit of truth and coexistence; sustainable economic actions that minimize impact of environment; imbibing the fundamental ancient wisdom of the critical importance of being in harmony with nature; personal efforts in improving cleanliness and sanitation, have inspired global leaders and continue to retain their relevance today.

The challenges that continue to face modern society and nations in terms of inequity, injustice, sustainable development, climate change or the fight against terrorism, require a moral force and unity of purpose that Gandhiji brought to his actions and his leadership.

Gandhiji is well remembered in Mauritius. He stayed here for two weeks as he returned to India from South Africa where he had spent two decades of his life. Mauritius was then a British colony and he encouraged the people to work for greater political engagement and pursue education for greater empowerment.  

We greatly appreciate the gesture of Mauritius Post to honor his legacy by the unveiling of a special postage stamp to mark the 150^th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. Our very special thanks to them.

May I also once again thank the MGI, its students, teachers, staff and management for organizing this beautiful function today as we remember Gandhi@150.

Thank you.

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