London celebrated Gandhi Jayanti on Friday 2 October at Tavistock square gardens. The square was cleared up and readied for the occasion by the High Commission of India. More than 200 people gathered, mainly of Asian origin, celebrating Bapu's 146th birthday.
The proceedings started with a sanskrit shloka by Nandakumarji, director of the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan. It followed by floral tributes by dignitaries and community representatives. CB Patel, Chair of India League, the High Commisioner of India, HE Ranjan Mathai, Councillor Larraine Revah, Mayor of Camden, Peers and MPs, Mayors and Councillors gave brief speeches. They spoke about relevance of Gandhi on this day and era, and remembered his teachings fondly. Mention was also made about the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit and his clean India project.
HE Ranjan Mathai said, "This day is marked by functions all across India, because we believe in the message of Gandhiji and because we are still indebted to him. It is not ritual. We may fail Gandhiji’s test – but his goals are and will be our ideals.
"The President of India – our Rashtrapatiji spoke for all Indians today when he conveyed the message of the Mahatma – non-violence, peace and tolerance.
"It is his message that we remember today, as much as the great man himself. And once again we pledge allegiance to ideals – of truth, compassion and non-violence. And we remind ourelves of his call for all of us to avoid ‘Himsa’ or ‘Violence’. We know there is too much Himsa in the world. Our nation is not an exception. Gandhiji stopped mass violence at Noakhali and we can learn from that.
"For us at India House, this function here at Tavistock Square is one of the most important dates in our calendar. It isn wonderful to be with all of you once again. Since we last met here – a great statue of Gandhiji has been installed in Parliament Square in London. As you heard – there will be a march to that statue, starting out here after our function.
"The statue at Parliament is already an international beacon, with thousands of tourists being photographed there everyday. We hope they also imbibe the message of the great soul. For India’s Pradhan Mantri reminded us today about another great issue that was very close to Mahatma Gandhiji’s heart – cleanliness.
"'Let us reaffirm our commitment for a Swachch Bharat to fulfil beloved Bapu’s dream', he said. And for the wider world what message? As the world heads into important negotiations on climate change – please remember Gandhiji’s message that 'the world has enough mans need, but not enough for mans greed!' No wonder, Pandit Nehru described Gandhiji as the 'the light that shone in our country'. We must rededicate ourselves to be part of that light - cleanliness, peace and non-violence rising above all divisions of. We now need to build on that work.
"India is a young nation, and not many remain who have personal memories of Gandhiji. The young resurgent India needs to be reminded every day of Mahatma’s message – that our work on earth can be achieved, only if we wipe the tears of the poorest, most underprivileged in our society. Remember Bapu when he said we should judge ourselves, by asking whether our actions make the lives of these poorest any better.
"The wider world – which is full of hatred and violence needs to understand his clear understanding that violence takes us nowhere. An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.
"So as we gather together let us pray today that the world will pay heed and join us in remembrance of not just the life of a great soul, but the lasting message of his life and his mission - truth, non-violence, the love for all humanity and fearlessness in action. Long live the memory of Gandhiji!"
This was followed by Mahatma's favourite bhajan by the students of Bhavans. Present was bollywood superstar Jackie Shroff, who awed the audience with his apt Indian clothing and gesture. The actor ensured he took his shoes off before he went up to the statue to pay his respect. The compere was Sunil Kumar, First Secretary, Ministry of Coordination, Indian High Commission.
This year, for the first time a peace walk was organised by community organisations including Mahatma Gandhi Foundation, led by the National Association of Patidar Samaj. People led by the High Commisioner, started the march from Tavistock square, and walked till the Parliament Square. Tribute was also paid at the new Gandhi statue in the square. The statue which has already become a major tourist attraction in London, was inaugurated by PM David Cameron and Indian Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, earlier this year.
The Prime Minister’s Indian Diaspora Champion and Employment Minister, Priti Patel, who could not attend the events due to prior engagement, in a statement said: “Today is a momentous day in our shared history. Not only is it the International Day of Non-Violence, it is also the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, leader of the Indian’s democratic movement – and one of history’s greatest-ever proponents of peace.
“Gandhi’s philosophy has inspired much positive and peaceful change around the world and he holds an enduring significance to both of our countries.
“Indeed, the strength of our relationship, this partnership of equals, is just one of the many legacies left by Gandhi. Today is a day to reflect on Gandhi’s life and all his achievements, in particular his fervent belief in peaceful protest over military aggression.
“However, it is also a fitting time to look forward at the UK-India relationship which continues to grow from strength to strength, supported by the talented and energetic Indian diaspora community in the UK.
“It is in this spirit that we will welcome Sri Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India, here in November to celebrate the long-standing bonds between our two nations and explore ways to deepen our partnership even further.”
Photo courtesy: Raj D Bakrania, Prmediapix
