Celebration of Gandhi Jayanti by Permanent Mission of India, Geneva and Indian Association of Geneva on Sunday 2nd October, 2016 and telecast of PM’s inauguration of Pravasi Bhartiya Kendra

The Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations and other International Organizations together with the Indian Association in Geneva celebrated 147th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi on Sunday, 2nd October, 2016 at Ariana Park, next to the United Nations Office in Geneva.

Over 150 members of Indian diaspora, Gandhian scholars, including Ambassador and Permanent Representative of African Union to the UN offices in Geneva, H.E. Mr. Jean-Marie Ehouzou, President of Rencontre Africaine pour la Défense des Droits de l’Homme (RADDHO) - (Promotion and Protection of Human Rights In Africa ) Mr. Biro Diawara, Mr. Nikhil Seth, Executive Director of United Nations Institute for Training & Research, President of the Indian Association, and Members of the Mission participated in the celebrations. 
Shri Ajit Kumar, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations and other International Organizations in India paid floral tribute to the Father of the Nation and mentioned the greatness of Mahatma Gandhi’s ideas and simplicity of his approach in addressing some of the most complex situations.  The relevance of Gandhian philosophy in easing the key challenges faced by humanity, particularly environmental protection; sustainable development; eradication of poverty was another key areas touched by Ambassador Ajit Kumar.  He mentioned that 2nd October was declared by the United Nations as International Day of Non-violence.  It was also conveyed that India ratified the Paris Climate Agreement on 2nd October, as a fitting tribute to the father of the nation.   

He briefed participants on the initiatives taken by the Prime Minister of India for the welfare of Indian diaspora.  The webcast on the inauguration of Pravasi Bhartiya Kendra by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi was keenly watched and widely appreciated by the Indian diaspora.  They thanked the Government of India, particularly the Prime Minister and the External Affairs Minister for diaspora centric initiatives and policies.  The participants were quite interested in deepening engagement with Pravasi Bhartiya Kendra for contributing towards nation-building.

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