Ambassador’s Remarks on the occasion of International Day of Non-Violence
(2 October 2023, 1000 hrs)
Queastor of National Assembly and Chairperson of India- Madagascar Friendship Group Mrs. Lanto Rakotomanga,
Honorable Members of National Assembly,
Secretary General of the Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene
Excellencies the Ambassadors of Comoros, South Africa and the Holy See, Charge d’ affaires of Mauritius and Representative of the Embassy of Indonesia,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Namaste, Good Morning and warm greetings on the occasion of the 154th birth anniversary of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, popularly known as Mahatma or the Great Soul. This day is also celebrated as the International Day of Non-Violence, after the United Nations General Assembly’s resolution of 2007.
2. You might be aware of Mahatma Gandhi’s close association with Africa, especially South Africa, where he had worked as a lawyer for 21 years, before returning to India in 1915. He was not only a political leader but also a social activist, writer and thinker who dreamed of an India free from social, religious and gender prejudices. With his unique philosophy of Ahimsa (Non-Violence), Satyagraha (Adherence to Truth) and Sarvodaya (Welfare of All), Mahatma Gandhi was instrumental in India’s struggle for freedom from the British colonial rule. In his words, "Non-violence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind. It is mightier than the mightiest weapon of destruction devised by the ingenuity of man".
3. As you know, in August this year India celebrated the 76th anniversary of its Independence. Over these 76 years, the people of India have steadfastly pursued Mahatma’s dreams. India is now the world’s 5th largest economy and its fastest-growing major economy. It is home to the world’s third largest Start-up Eco-system and has the fourth largest installed capacity of renewable energy. India has emerged as a leader in real-time digital payment transactions, accounting for more than 45% of the global transactions last year. India has also become the world’s fourth country to achieve a soft landing on the Moon and the first country to land near Moon’s South Pole. During the Covid-19 pandemic, India had not only administered 2.2 bn doses of vaccine to its nationals but also exported about 300 mn doses to more than 100 countries across the world. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has set itself a goal to become a developed country by 2047, i.e the 100th anniversary of India’s independence.
4. Today, the world is witnessing an exceptional period of turmoil with the reversal of socio-economic gains of recent years in many countries due to the negative impacts of Covid-19 pandemic, armed conflicts, climate change etc. As a responsible member of the Global South, India has brought back the global focus on the concerns and challenges of the developing countries, during its ongoing Presidency of the G-20. As a close neighbour and a fellow developing country in the Indian Ocean Region, India stands ready to work closely with the Government and the people of Madagascar to further Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals of Truth and Non-violence for the peace, progress and prosperity of our peoples. In conclusion, I would like to once again extend my warm wishes to all of you on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and International Day of Non-Violence. Thank you!
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