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Gandhi Jayanti: Indian missions celebrate power of non-violence

The Indian Embassy in Nepal commemorated the day by hosting a morning of hymns and musical compositions in Kathmandu…reports Asian Lite News

Indian missions all over the subcontinent celebrated the 155th Gandhi Jayanti on Wednesday by hosting events that honoured the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi. 

The Indian Embassy in Nepal commemorated the day by hosting a morning of hymns and musical compositions in Kathmandu.

“The ambassador paid floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. On this occasion, Saraswati Khatri of Sur Sudha Band performed hymns and musical compositions dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi,” the Embassy said in a post on X.

During the event, Indian Ambassador to Nepal Naveen Srivastava emphasised the relevance of Mahatma Gandhi’s principles and teachings in today’s world.

Lyudmila Sekacheva, President of the BRICS World of Traditions NGO, also spoke at the event. She has been instrumental in setting up of Tolstoy-Gandhi Centres in Russia and India and discussed the lasting influence of Gandhi’s messages.

The Embassy also informed that representatives from the Nepal Charkha Pracharak Gandhi-Tulasi Smarak Mahaguthi participated in the celebrations, while artists from JNCC Moscow and students of the EOI school presented cultural performances. Indian community members also attended the event.

As part of the occasion, Ambassador Srivastava felicitated sanitation workers at the Embassy for their contribution to maintaining a clean and hygienic environment.

Meanwhile, the High Commission of India in Bangladesh also celebrated the 155th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, highlighting his teachings of non-violence.

“The Indian High Commission in Dhaka marked the 155th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi today. In his address, HC Pranay Verma said Gandhiji’s unwavering faith in peace, non-violence, tolerance and understanding as a force for change continues to remain relevant even today,” the High Commission said in a post on X.

The High Commissioner also stressed that Gandhi Jayanti is recognised internationally as the International Day of Non-Violence, underscoring the importance of Gandhiji’s teachings in addressing modern global challenges like terrorism.

In Colombo, newly-appointed Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, along with Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha, paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi.

Officials of the the Indian Embassy in Bhutan, led by Indian Ambassador Sudhakar Dalela, paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi and took the Swachhata Pledge, committing to maintaining cleanliness in their surroundings.

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VP Sparks Row Comparing Gandhi With Modi

VP Dhankar described Gandhi as the ‘Mahapurush’ of the last century and PM Modi as the ‘Yugpurush’ of this century….reports Asian Lite News

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar has received sharp criticism from Congress MP Manickam Tagore for allegedly comparing Mahatma Gandhi with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Dhankar described Gandhi as the ‘Mahapurush’ of the last century and PM Modi as the ‘Yugpurush’ of this century.

“I want to tell you one thing. The mahapurush (great man) of the last century was Mahatma Gandhi. Narendra Modi is the yugpurush (man of the era) of this century,” he said.

VP Dhankar was addressing an event organized on the birth anniversary celebrations of Jain mystic and philosopher, Shrimad Rajchandra at Opera House in Maharashtra’s Mumbai on Monday.

“Mahatma Gandhi freed us from the slavery of the British through Satyagraha and non-violence. India’s successful Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken us to a path where we always wanted to be,” Dhankhar added.

The official ‘X’ handle of the Vice President of India also shared a clip of Dhankar’s speech.

Further talking about similarities in both great personalities, Dhankhar said, “One thing is common between these two great personalities, Mahatma Gandhi and PM Narendra Modi. They have reflected with respect to Shrimad Rajchandraji.”

Reacting to the Vice President’s remarks, Congress MP and Lok Sabha whip Manickam Tagore took to the social media platform ‘X’, and said that, “he has crossed all limits of sycophancy.”

“If you compare (Modi) with Mahatma, it’s shameful, Sir. We all know there is a limit to sycophancy; now you have crossed that limit, and to be in your chair and position and to be a sycophant does not add value, Sir. With respect,” the Congress MP wrote while tagging a clip of VP Dhankhar’s speech.

Dhankhar on Monday said that if Mahatma Gandhi were alive today, he would have praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for taking forward the Swachhta Abhiyan.

“If Mahatma Gandhi were alive today, he would have praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for taking forward the Swachhta Abhiyan,” Vice President Dhankhar said.

Comparing PM Modi and Mahatma Gandhi, Vice President Dhankhar further said, “Mahatma Gandhi ji freed us from the slavery of the British through Satyagraha and non-violence. India’s popular Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji put the country on the path that we always wanted to see. In these two great experiences, the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi and our Prime Minister Narendra Modi are similar”.

He said that Rajchandra would have praised him for passing the Women Reservation Bill, which reserves one-third of all seats for women in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies, were he alive today.

“Today, India is a country full of talent. It has a population of 140 crore. Today, I feel if Rajchandra ji was alive today, he would have praised him for passing the bill on 21st September(In Rajya Sabha) for providing 1/3rd of the seats to women in Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha,” Dhankhar said. (ANI)

Dhankhar Critiques Colonial Laws’ Burden on Global South

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Monday said that the legacy of colonial laws has been highly burdensome to the vulnerable sections in the countries of the Global South.

Describing these laws as very harsh, oppressive, and exploitative for the local population, the Vice President asserted that the time has come when Global South nations should follow India’s example and consider reviewing old colonial laws that perpetuate prejudice against local populations.

Dhankhar made these remarks while addressing the first regional conference on “Ensuring Access to Quality Legal Aid for the Vulnerable: Challenges and Opportunities in the Global South”.

The conference has been organized by The National Legal Services Authority of India together with- the International Legal Foundation, the UNDP and the UNICEF.

In his address, the Vice President said, “As the Global South embarks on its journey towards a brighter future, it is imperative to shed the shackles of its colonial past and strive together to reverse the historical wrongs that have perpetuated injustice and inequality. This is a common threat.”

Noting that India is in the process of reviewing outdated legislations, Shri Dhankhar emphasized that it will bring about sea-change in our outlook and totally contain, curb and decimate those exploitative provisions. “The countries of the global south will do well to closely study the action that India has taken in these areas and apply them to their countries after suitably customizing,” he suggested.

Mentioning that just a few years ago, no one was even aware of the term ‘Global South’, Shri Dhankhar credited the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi for bringing it to the central stage and positioning it in a forum like G20 primarily dominated by developed countries. The success achieved by the inclusion of the African Union in G20 alongside the European Union is remarkable and very equitable, he added.

Asserting that India’s ethos of VasudhaivaKutumbakam are now translated into a ground reality, VP stressed that “Rise of global south would constitute the greatest stabilizing force for the world and it’ll generate the growth trajectory of the world.”

Referring to the shared history of colonial oppression and sufferings, the Vice President underlined that we have a deep emotive connect as a nation with the nations of theGlobal South culturally and otherwise. “The negative aspects of colonial rule bind us together. We have suffered through the ages and we have to mitigate the suffering by learning from one another,” he added.

Noting that deprivation of access to justice system & denial of legal aid, present existential challenge to the vulnerable sections, VP stressed the need to neutralize these challenges by affirmative policies and initiatives to secure justice for all. “Let’s strive for a world where justice is a fundamental right, accessible to all, regardless of background, circumstances, or location,” asserted.

Praising the Chief Justice of India for a series of affirmative, innovative people-centric steps to ensure access to justice for vulnerable sections, VP called for reimagining legal aid, harnessing technology, empowering communities, and bridging the gap between legal services and those in need. “Undoubtedly access to legal aid and the justice system is quintessential to nurturing and blossoming of fundamental human values and fostering equitable societies,” he underlined.

Praising NALSA as a beacon of inclusive and affordable legal aid for India’s marginalized communities, the Vice President said that NALSA model of justice delivery is worth emulation by the nations of Global South. (ANI)

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Floral tributes, peace march mark Gandhi Jayanti in London

The Indian mission, with the support of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, also used the occasion to launch virtual Sanskrit Speaking Classes for 10 weeks, running until December 4…reports Asian Lite News.

The Indian High Commissioner to the UK, Gaitri Issar Kumar, led Gandhi Jayanti celebrations in London with floral tributes at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Parliament Square.

The 152nd birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi on Saturday also covered bhajans and talks on the enduring legacy of the life and teachings of the Father of the Nation.

At Tavistock Square Gardens in London, which also has an iconic statue of Gandhi, Deputy High Commissioner of India Sujit Ghosh welcomed the Mayor of Camden, Councillor Sabrina Francis, for a special ceremony attended by the Heads of the Defence Wings of the Indian High Commission and community leaders.

The Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan and the Sargam Cultural Institute collaborated to perform Mahatma Gandhi’s favourite bhajans, followed by a peace march organised by the Gita Foundation and the National Association of Patidar Samaj being flagged off.

‘The High Commissioner inaugurated an illuminating exhibition of Gandhi’s life illustrated in photographs, curated by Mr Pandey from Benaras. She also announced the curation of a special volume of essays by prominent Gandhian scholars,’ the Indian High Commission said in a statement.

The Indian mission, with the support of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, also used the occasion to launch virtual Sanskrit Speaking Classes for 10 weeks, running until December 4.

At the Nehru Centre in London, the cultural wing of the High Commission of India, a virtual talk was hosted by Nehru Centre Director Amish Tripathi with filmmaker Raju Hirani on the concept of ‘Gandhigiri’ ‘ as popularised in his ‘Munna Bhai’ films.

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London Pays Tribute to Babasaheb

Dr. Ambedkar’s vision was of an India where the social system and economy would promote the full development of human potential and ensure a dignified existence for all citizens … reports Asian Lite Newsdesk

High Commission of India in London paid tribute to Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar on his 130th birth anniversary at India House. Babasaheb, as he was popularly known, was born on 14th April 1891, He was an academician, a leading figure in the national movement for a free India and a strong voice against untouchability.

HE Gaitri Issar Kumar, High Commissioner of India, paying respect to Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar on his 130th birth anniversary at India House in London

Bhimrao was born in the town and military cantonment of Mhow, which is now known as Dr. Ambedkar Nagar. He was the 14th and last child in a family that was considered untouchable at that time.

Growing up with few resources amidst adversity, Bhimrao was an excellent scholar who passed his matriculation exams and proceeded, as the first member of his caste, to attend college at the University of Bombay.

After obtaining a degree in Economics and Political Science, he took up employment in the State of Baroda. Soon the State of Baroda awarded him a three year scholarship for study in the USA, where he passed his MA in June 1915 in Economics, Sociology, History, Philosophy and Anthropology. Ambedkar then presented a thesis on Ancient Indian Commerce. His relentless thirst for knowledge led him to pursue two doctorates in Economics – both from the Columbia University and London School of Economics.

He was the first Indian to pursue a doctorate in economics abroad. Dr. Ambedkar made his early career as an economist, professor and lawyer and was also appointed Principal, Government Law College, Bombay.

Dr. Ambedkar became active in Indian politics and social reform, soon after his return to India. He called upon the socially and economically disadvantaged to educate, agitate and organise. He also led Satyagraha and published periodicals like Mook Nayak, Bahishkrit Bharat and Equality Janta. His book Annihilation of Caste has strongly criticised the caste system then prevalent in India. He has also written scholarly books on economics, society and politics.

In 1936, Dr. Ambedkar founded the Independent Labour Party and contested elections in Bombay in 1937 for the Central Legislative Assembly. After independence, he was invited to serve as the first Law Minister of India. He was also appointed as the Chairman of the Constitution Drafting Committee, which was constituted to write India’s new constitution. In the drafting of the Constitution, Dr. Ambedkar was responsible for the inclusion of constitutional guarantees and protection of individual liberty, freedom of religion, civil liberties including universal franchise which were ahead of the times; and Dr. Ambedkar argued stridently for the rights of women. The Constitution, when finalised, was adopted on November 26, 1949 by the Constituent Assembly.

Dr. Ambedkar’s vision was of an India where the social system and economy would promote the full development of human potential and ensure a dignified existence for all citizens. For realisation of that, Dr. Ambedkar had played a crucial role in laying down the Directive Principles of State Policy, a unique feature of the Indian Constitution. The Principles mandate that the State shall strive to promote the welfare of the people by securing and protecting a just social order. These principles lay the foundation for social democracy envisaged by Dr. Ambedkar as a way of life that recognises the union or trinity of literacy, equality and fraternity.

Dr. Ambedkar established the Finance Commission of India in 1951 and contributed to the forming of important policies in Revenue, Finance and Land Reforms. He considered Article 32 of the Indian Constitution, the Right to Constitutional Remedies, to be the very soul of the Constitution and the heart of it. He believed that the greatest safeguard for purity and fairness in elections was to establish an independent Election Commission.

HE Gaitri Issar Kumar, High Commissioner of India, paying respect to Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar on his 130th birth anniversary at India House in London

Similarly, he considered the Auditor General to be a key functionary who should have greater independence than even the judiciary. The Right to Information Act is, in fact, a modern day manifestation of Dr. Ambedkar’s commitment to building open, vibrant democratic institutions and strong constitutional methods.

Dr. Ambedkar was posthumously awarded India’s highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna in 1990. Every year, his birth anniversary is celebrated as a public holiday in India. People celebrate his birthday as Ambedkar Jayanti or Bhim Jayanti. The Maharashtra Government has acquired the modest building in London at 10 King Henry Road, where Dr. Ambedkar lived during his days as a student. It was inaugurated as a museum by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in November 2015.

Dr. Ambedkar’s message from his address to the Constituent Assembly on November 25, 1949 is worth remembering:

“In addition to our old enemies in the form of castes and creeds, we are going to have many political parties with diverse and opposing political creeds. Will Indians place the country above their creed or will they place creed above country? I do not know. But this much is certain that if the parties place creed above country, our independence will be put in jeopardy a second time and probably be lost forever. This eventuality we must all resolutely guard against. We must be determined to defend our independence with the last drop of our blood.”

President, PM Join

Indian President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi stressed on the need to imbibe his ideals in the conduct of each Indian.

“Tribute to Babasaheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, the chief architect of the Indian Constitution, on his birth anniversary. He waged a lifelong struggle to create an equitable society. Today, by taking a lesson from his life and thoughts, we take a resolution to adopt his principles in our conduct,” President tweeted in Hindi.

The Prime Minister said that Babasaheb’s struggle to bring the deprived section into the mainstream will remain an example for generations to come.

Bowing to the great Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar on Ambedkar Jayanti, the Prime Minister tweeted, “His struggle to bring the deprived section into the mainstream will remain an example for generations to come”.

HE Gaitri Issar Kumar, High Commissioner of India, paying respect to Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar on his 130th birth anniversary at India House in London
HE Gaitri Issar Kumar, High Commissioner of India, paying respect to Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar on his 130th birth anniversary at India House in London