London celebrated Gandhi Jayanti today at Tavistock square gardens. The square was cleared up 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 Bhavans. It followed by flower offering ceremony by dignitaries and community representatives. CB Patel, Chair of India League, the High Commisioner of India, HE Ranjan Mathai, Mayor of Camden, Peers and MPs, Mayors and Councillors gave brief speeches. They spoke about relevance of Gandhi this day and era, and remembered his teachings fondly. Mention was also made about Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit and his clean India project.
This was followed by Gandhiji's fabvourite bhajan by the students of Bhavans. Present was also 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.
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, marched till the Parliament Square. Homage was also offered to the Gandhi statue at 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.”
