On the eve of Mahatma Gandhi’s 150th birth anniversary, President Ram Nath Kovind today described him as a global icon and asked people to rededicate themselves to the values of truth, non-violence, morality and simplicity he left in legacy for the world.
In a message, the President said the 150th Gandhi Jayanti was a special occasion for the nation. “Satya, Ahimsa and Sarvodaya formed the bedrock of Mahatma Gandhi’s numerous messages to humanity.”
“Gandhiji is a global icon revered across continents. United Nations has marked Gandhi Jayanti as ‘The International Day of Non-Violence’. Gandhian values and many of his methods remain relevant not only for India but for the entire world,” he said.
Gandhiji’s vision and action encompassed almost every facet of individual and collective life, the President said. “He showed us the path to communal unity, removal of untouchability, upliftment of women, education, sanitation, preserving the environment and water,” Kovind said.
The President said “by taking up the ‘Swachh Bharat Mission’ as a movement, the people of India have paid homage to the Father of the Nation. Our nation’s emphasis on inclusive growth, transparency and honesty in public life, health-care support to the poor, support to the farmers and effective utilization of water resources is in keeping with the thoughts of Gandhi Ji.
“Let us resolve to strengthen the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi,” he said.