Embassy of India, Kuwait, celebrated ‘Gandhi Jayanti’ to commemorate the 153rd birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi on 02 October, 2022 in the Embassy’s premises.
Delivering the inaugural remarks, Ambassador of India to Kuwait, His Excellency Shri Sibi George extended warm greetings to all Indians in Kuwait on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti and paid floral tributes to the bust of Mahatma Gandhi in the Embassy. Ambassador read out the Hon’ble President of India’s message. Ambassador quoted Hon’ble Rashtrapati ji as having said that Gandhi Jayanti is an occasion wherein everyone rededicates themselves to the values of Gandhi ji’s inspiring life - peace, equality and communal harmony. Rashtrapatiji highlighted that a century ago, Gandhiji inspired millions with his call of Swadeshi and his stress on self- reliance. The making of an Aatmanirbhar Bharat, which is under way, is inspired by the vision of the Mahatma and is intended as a true tribute to him.
Rashtrapatiji in her message remarked that as India enters the Amrit Kaal, the period before the centenary of Independence, the young generation is taking inspiration from Gandhiji’s works. She mentioned that Gandhiji showed to all humanity its true potential, and proved the power of compassion. Hon’ble Rashtrapati ji urged everyone to walk on his path, the path of truth and non-violence, to promote mutual goodwill and to work towards the progress of the nation and the world.
Ambassador in his remarks mentioned that India and Kuwait celebrated 60th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations
between India and Kuwait and also the 75th anniversary of India’s independence – ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ during the last year. He said that in all these celebrations there was one common thread - Mahatma Gandhi. He remarked that Gandhiji is someone who makes every Indian proud every day.
Ambassador recalled the importance of Gandhi’s Talisman in today’s complex world. He particularly mentioned that the Talisman was a guiding principle for everyone while dealing with COVID-19 crisis. He highlighted that the unprecedented campaign in Kuwait during the COVID-19 pandemic wherein the Indian community joined hands with the Embassy transcended religious, regional and language barriers and worked together to help everyone in need.
In his concluding remarks, Ambassador highlighted that Mahatma Gandhi is an embodiment of everything that India stood for millennia,
including its spirit of ‘Vasudaiva Kudumbakam’- world is one family. He remarked that during the most difficult times of COVID-19 pandemic, when the entire world was facing challenges, India followed the message of Mahatma Gandhi and extended a helping hand to all countries across the world.
During the event, Ambassador read out the Gandhiji’s Talisman. A cultural program including Gandhiji’s bhajans and patriotic songs was also organized on this occasion. Ambassador thanked the Indian Community and school students for taking active participation in the event. On this occasion, Ambassador felicitated the participants of Online Gandhian Philosophy course conducted by ICCR and Dr. Shobhana Radhakrishna, eminent Gandhian along with the participants of ‘Namaste Kuwait’.