DHARAMSHALA: The Central Tibetan Administration today observed the 144th birth anniversary of world’s icon of non-violence and truth, Mahatma Gandhi, and called on Tibetans inside and outside Tibet to reaffirm their commitment to non-violence in the freedom struggle. 

Gandhi Jayanti on 2 October is also marked as the International Day of Non-violence as per a resolution passed by the UN General Assembly on 15 June 2007.

“On the auspicious occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, we offer our profound reverence to Mahatma Gandhi and gratitude to the people and government of India,” Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay told reporters at a ceremony marking the occasion at the secretariat. 

“Tibetans are leading a successful non-violent freedom struggle and we rededicate ourselves to non-violence,” Sikyong said, adding, “the world trend has shown that countries regained freedom in their pursuit of non-violence.”

Sikyong also said: “His Holiness the Dalai Lama had shared an inspiring news that the Middle-Way approach will succeed in resolving the Tibet issue. Tibetans will see the day when the issue of Tibet is resolved within the lifetime of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.”

Sikyong called on Tibetans inside and outside Tibet to imbibe and rededicate themselves to His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s teachings of peace and non-violence.”