Mahatma Gandhi’s teachings still relevant in today’s world: Indian high commissioner

Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka Harsh Vardhan Shringla has said that Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy and works “continue to inspire us today”.

“No matter how fast paced and technologically advanced our lives have become since Mahatma Gandhi’s times, the essence of Gandhiji’s truth had not changed, because human nature itself has not changed,” he said on Saturday, speaking at a function.

The Gandhi Ashram Trust organised the event on the eve of the 147th birth anniversary of the India’s founding father.

The day, Oct 2, is the “International Day of Non-Violence” as the UN General Assembly unanimously adopted through a resolution moved by India in 2007. This year’s Day puts the focus on sustainability and the environment.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon in a message said in all he did, “Gandhi honoured our obligation to all living things.”

He reminded us that “Earth provides enough to satisfy everyone’s needs, but not everyone’s greed.”

“We know that a culture of non-violence begins with respect for others, but it does not end there. To nurture peace, we must respect nature,” the UN chief said.

The Indian High Commission in Dhaka is also exhibiting Gandhi’s rare photographs in an exhibition titled ‘Life and Times of Mahatma Gandhi’ at its new chancery in Baridhara.

The High Commissioner said Mahatma Gandhi not only led the freedom movement in India, but worked throughout his life “for social change and the development of society.”

“In view of the increasing incidence of terrorism and violence and societal disorder on a global basis and the failure of contemporary societies in comprehensively addressing these challenges, it may be time for us to actively revisit the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi,” he said.

“At the heart of Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of nonviolence, was his belief that strength comes from righteousness, not force; power comes from truth, not might; and that victory comes from moral courage not imposed submission.”

He said in all his activities, he involved youth as “an agent of social-political change in society.”

“Bangladesh and India both are countries of young people. Both countries share civilization linkages, as also historical, geographical, linguistic and culture links.  On the other hand, challenges that our respective societies face are also similar in nature.

“Mahatma Gandhi’s life and works continue to inspire and guide us to work incessantly to surmount these common challenges and ensure a better quality of life with dignity and basic human rights for each and every member of our society,” he said.

Planning Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal, Chairman of the Trust Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya, Secretary Padma Shri Jharna Dhara Choudhury, and British High Commissioner Alison Blake, among others, were present at the event.