Mahatma's message is universal and timeless: PM

Reflecting on the timeless principles and ideals of Mahatama Gandhi, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on the occasion of Gandhiji’s 138 th birth anniversary said on Tuesday that Gandhiji's message of ‘peace’, ‘non-violence’ and ‘Satyagraha’ are more relevant in present scenario where the world is struggling against violence, conflict and terrorism.

He said that as long as there is tendency to resort to violence his message will always be relevant.

Emphasising the universality of Gandhiji’s principles Prime Minister said that his message of love, peace, of equality of all people, of harmony between religions was not confined to one society but cut across the boundaries of societies and people and are meant for all societies.

With a mixed feeling of pride and gratitude thanking the international community for declaring the birthday of Gandhiji as international non-violence day, Prime Minister said, “we are proud and grateful that the international community has declared this day as the International Day of Non-Violence. The international conference on Peace, Non-violence and Empowerment commemorating the centenary of the ‘Satyagraha Movement launched by Gandhiji underscored the relevance of his message of non-violence and the fight for truth. We are grateful to all those who supported the idea.”

Dr. Singh said that Gandhian philosophy has stood the test of time and it will continue to do so as long as we seek peace and equality of all.

He also called Mahatama ‘a great political leader’ who practised what he preached. He also repeated the words of Albert Einstein who said, “Generations to come will scarce believe that such a man as this ever in flesh and blood walked upon this earth.”

Prime Minister also said that Ahimsa is weapon of the strong but we have forgotten it. Ahimsa is relevant as a way of life and as a tool of the governance of the country.

On such pious occasion as the birth anniversary of Mahatama Gandhi Prime Minister also released a set of four postage stamps titled ‘Satyagraha: the Stirrings’ to commemorate the first international day of non-violence.

Ahimsa Diwas Yatra was also flagged off by the prime minister from the All India Congress Committee (AICC).

Various other dignitaries such as President Pratibha Patil, vice president Hamid Ansari, home minister Shivraj Patil, defence minister A K Antony paid homage to Gandhiji at Rajghat.