Mahatma Gandhi, known as the Father of the Nation for India, was born on 2nd October 1869 in Porbandar, Gujarat and was the preeminent leader of the Indian independence movement in British-ruled India.
Among many celebrations worldwide, Gandhi Jayanti was marked in London with special enthusiasm. The statue at Tavistock Square, London was the first Gandhi statue established in the UK.
Like every year, this year as well, the Indian High Commission and India League celebrated the annual Gandhi Jayanti at the Tavistock Square, London on Sunday 2 October 2016 at 11am. The event, which is open to public, was attended by the Mayor of Camden, local Councillors, Asian MPs and Peers, community leaders and organisational heads. The High Commissioner and the Chairman of the India League addressed the gathered audience. HE Navtej Sarna spoke about Gandhiji's message to the world and Swachch Bharat campaign. India League Chairman CB Patel said how with the help of Indian High Commission and Camden Council, India League has been celebrating Gandhi Jayanti at the Tavistock Square for the last several decades. He also wished the outgoing High Commissioner for his future endeavours.
Mahatma's favourite bhajans were sung by students of Bhavans. This was followed by a Peace Walk to the Gandhi statue at the Westminster square and flower tributes were presented there. The statue at the Parliament Square, Westminster was inaugurated by the then Prime Minister of the UK David Cameron and Indian Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in January this year. Leicester is also home to a Gandhi statue since 2009. Besides these many other community organisations organised independent events to mark his birthday including the Mahatma Gandhi Foundation, UK.
