Gandhi’s birthday observed as International Non-violence Day

Wednesday, 3 October 2007, 1:00 p.m.

Kalon Tripa Samdhong Rinpoche addresses the gathering on Gandhi Jayanti at Tsuglagkhang yesterday (Photo:Sangjey Kep)

Dharamshala:Scores of people from different parts of the world gathered at the function organized by the Central Tibetan Administration and Dharamshala-based Akhil Bharatiya Rachnatamak Samaj yesterday to observe the 139th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi as the International Day of Non-violence.

Earlier this year, on 15 June, the United Nations General Assembly declared 2 October, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, as the International Day of Non-violence. Mahatma Gandhi led India to independence and inspired movements for civil rights and freedom across the world.

While addressing the gathering, Kalon Tripa Samdhong Rinpoche conveyed the message of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi.

Speaker of Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, Mr Karma Chophel addresses the ocassion

In his message, His Holiness said, “The United Nations recognition of Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday as an International Day of non-violence day is a very positive development at a time, when where-ever we look, people continue to try to resolve their problems through wars and violence.”

His Holiness further said, “Many people pay lip service to the idea of non-violence and peace. What distinguished Gandhi did was that, he showed how non-violence could be successful in providing an effective approach to the resolution of conflict.”

His Holiness also said “I am deeply moved by the Gandhi’s principled stand on the absolute necessity of non-violence during India’s freedom struggle and its ultimate success, and that he remained steadfast proponent of non-violence, not only in the larger context of creating lasting peace in the world, but specifically in resolving the Tibetan peoples’ problem with China.”

Mr Thankur Singh Banoria, MLA, Himachal Pradesh

“As long as human beings exist, there will be disagreements and problems. However, the only way to resolve the issue is through dialogue and discussion,” said His Holiness.

His Holiness said “Seeking methods of violence will always give rise to misery and thus essentially counter-productive,” adding, ” Despite many deaths in the two world wars, people and governments continue to turn to violence almost as a first resort to try to resolve the religious, economic and political disputes.”

“The UN has passed many resolutions supporting non-violence, which marks a good beginning, but its importance is that the leaders of UN members States starts to take concrete steps to put this powerful idea into practice.” His Holiness said.

His Holiness said “I believe each one of us have a responsibility to encourage non-violence in our world by getting rid of ourselves of negative emotions, and to cultivate the sense of love, compassion and forgiveness.”

“I believe, we human beings have the capacity to meet this challenge and that it is our own best interest to do so.” His Holiness said.

Dignitaries present at the function included the chief justice commissioner and two justice commissioners, speaker and deputy speaker of Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, members of Kashag, Mr Thakur Singh Banoria, MLA, and officials of the local administration.