Bali
***
PRESS RELEASE
Conclusion of 2 Years Celebration of Mahatma Gandhi's 150thBirth Anniversary
Consulate General of India in Bali has concluded the two years of grand finale activities of Celebration of 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi or ‘Gandhi@150’ on 2nd October 2020.
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (1869-1948), fondly called Mahatma (meaning Great Soul) Gandhi, is considered the Father of the Indian Nation who spent his life working for the upliftment of the downtrodden and weaker sections of the society. In recognition of the importance of his message, the United Nations has declared his birthday, 2nd October, as the International Day of Non-violence. Mahatma Gandhi’s five pillars of non-violence are respect, understanding, acceptance, appreciation and compassion which are basic to the humanity’s existence. Modern world has seen many challenges towards non-violence. However, Gandhiji’s prescription in the power of truthfulness gives us the direction of what to follow.
Since last year, Consulate commemorated ‘Gandhi@150’ with series of activities. Firstly, in collaboration with The ANVAYA Beach Resort and Bali Sea Turtle Society celebrated World Environment Day on Saturday, 13 July 2019 at Kuta Beach. Secondly, when the Consulate was celebrating Gandhi’s Birth Anniversary, from 11 September until 2 October last year we have encouraged people at home and abroad to avoid Single Use Plastic items as well as plastic waste management for proper recycling and effective disposal of all plastic waste. Thirdly, on 2nd October 2019, in collaboration with Museum Pasifika, the Consulate organized a photograph exhibition on the ‘Life of Mahatma Gandhi’ which was also followed by Vegetarian Food Festival.
In this final year of the celebration, amidst the current pandemic situation, the Consulate organized several programs virtually. The first was two dances presented by the Indian Cultural Center (Swami Vivekananda
Cultural Centre, Bali) which was performed by Dr. Pompi Paul on Mahatma Gandhi's one of the favorite songs ‘Vaisnav Jan To TeneKahiye’. The next dance was performed by the dance group 'India in Bali' which consisted of young Balinese dancers who are active in promoting Indian culture.
The Consul General of India, Mr. Prakash Chand delivered a short speech at the celebration and emphasized the importance of Mahatma Gandhi's teachings which are reflected in the policies of the Government of India in developing the nation forward. The Consulate also organized speeches by some important personalities, who spoke on the important role of Mahatma Gandhi's teachings in contemporary world. In addition, the Consul General led the floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at the Office of the Consulate as well as at the Udayana University Campus in Denpasar where the bust of the Mahatma Gandhi was installed in2015.
***
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS GALLERY
