International Day of Non-Violence, on Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi
The United Nations has been observing the 'International Day of Non-Violence' since 2007, coinciding with the birth anniversary of 'Mahatma' Gandhi on October 2, to pay tribute to the apostle and philosophy of truth and non-violence through public education and awareness-raising events and activities. On this day, each year, the Embassy of India organizes a lecture or events to commemorate Gandhiji's message of truth, 'satya-graha' (or 'truth-force'), non-violence, tolerance, social justice and simple-living, and to spread the message of peace and harmony in the world. Last year, the lecture was presented by the venerable Sitagu Sayadaw, Dr, Nyanissara at the Indian Embassy in Yangon.
To mark the 7thInternational Day of Non-Violence this year, the Embassy of India, in association with the Myanmar Peace Center organized a lecture on Mahatma Gandhi by the renowned historian and Chairman of the Yangon Heritage Trust, Dr. Thant Myint U on the theme of 'Gandhi and Burma' drawing on his three not-so-well known visits to Burma in 1902, 1915 and 1929. The Ambassador of India to Myanmar H.E. Gautam Mukhopadhaya, introduced the speaker and also briefly addressed the audience. Dr. Thant Myint-U is the author of several widely read and regarded books on Myanmar history and politics, including the 'River of Lost Footsteps' and 'The making of Modern Burma'. He now devotes a lot of his time to rescuing and restoring the architectural heritage of Yangon, one of the great cities of the world at one time which it had the opportunity to revive. The lecture was well-attended by prominent Myanmar dignitaries and personalities, Ambassadors and members of the diplomatic community, UN Agencies, International Non-Governmental Organizations, leading representatives of the Indian-origin and Indian communities in Yangon, members of Myanmar Peace Center, local populace and the media, and very well received.
The Government of India attaches great importance to the cause of non-violence, tolerance, peace and understanding across the globe and to the on-going peace process in Myanmar. The event organized jointly with the Myanmar Peace Centre, marks a modest attempt to invoke the values and principles of Mahatma Gandhi to address current communal tensions and assist the Government and people of Myanmar in promoting peace and national reconciliation and the overall social development of the country for the benefit of the people of Myanmar.
October 2, 2013
Yangon Myanmar
