Launching a commemorative book on the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, here today, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said that the formers messages were not confined to his lifetime or only this region, but it is universal.
New Delhi, Aug 9 : Launching a commemorative book on the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, here today, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said that the former's messages were not confined to his lifetime or only this region, but it is universal.
Speaking at the launch of "Gandhian Way- Peace, Non-violence and Empowerment," Singh said this volume once again underscores that Mahatma Gandhi belongs to all humankind, and the ideas and the values espoused by him would continue to inspire generations to come for a long time.
"The theme of this conference was 'Gandhian Philosophy in the 21st Century.' It is a tribute to the continued and continuing relevance of Mahatma Gandhi's ideas and ideals, for our time and indeed for all time to come," he said.
Stressing the need for people and the nation to recall the sacrifice and struggle of their national heroes, Singh said that Mahatma Gandhi was not just a national hero, adding, "His message had a global, universal relevance and continues to do so in our very troubled times."
"As long as we live in a world where there is injustice, where there is inequality, where there is violence, where there are greed and hatred, the message of Mahatma will ring true for all," he added.
Welcoming the United Nations' declaration to observe Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary (October 2) as International Day of Non-Violence, he said, "The decision was truly historic and universally welcomed. We are grateful to all those who supported us in this magnificent endeavour."
Today's ceremony coincided with the anniversary of the launch of the Quit India Movement in 1942.
ANI