Mahatma Gandhi, born on October 2, 1869 in Gujarat’s coastal city of Porbandar, is known as the Father of India and remains one of India’s greatest gifts to mankind. His name finds resonance across the continents. He played a key role in India’s independence and continues to inspire countless people through histeachings of non-violence. The whole world observes 2nd October as the International Day of Non-Violence. Global celebrations to commemorate the 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi commenced on 2nd October 2018.
The inaugural event to commemorate 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi was held in Embassy of India on 2nd October 2018. On this occasion Special commemorative stamps marking the 150th birth anniversary issued by the Indian Postal Department were released by Ambassador. The other activities included :
Screening of the video of Bhajan ‘Vaishnav Jan To Tene Kahiye Je’ recorded by Ms. Jadranka Jovanovic, veteran Serbian opera singer and sitting Member of the National Assembly of Serbia under the composition of Mr Vojkan
Borisaljevic, prominent Serbian composer and conductor.
In an effort to globalize the messages of Mahatma Gandhi, the Embassy organized projection of his message in the form of LED video which was projected in prominent City Hall of Belgrade as well as in the Embassy premises. The storyline highlights the relevance of Mahtma’s life and philosophy in today’s world and his ability to inspire the present generation. The film consists of prominent moments taken from Gandhiji’s life, his inspiring quotes, everyday sayings, discourses and initiatives presented in spectacular visual narrative using line-art style of hand drawn illustrations layers with water colour and ink wash that symbolize and represent the simplicity that was Gandhi’s Life and his Teachings.
Documentary film ‘Does Gandhi matter’ was screened on RTS 3 on 2nd October 2018. The film takes us to various individuals from all walks of life exploring how Gandhi’s ideas and principles are relevant in this century. The
film finds that citizens across the country have started drawing inspiration and solutions to a majority of problems in the world today, like staying healthy, meditation, peace, non-violence, environment, social and political issues
Embassy launched online quiz on Mahatma Gandhi on Embassy’s facebook page and will continue to post few questions every week till 2nd October 2019. The winner for that month and will get a book on/by Mahatma Gandhi
as the prize.
The event was attended among other, by Ms Tamara Rastovac, Deputy Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs; Ms. Marina Kalezic, Director, Serbia Stamp Department, Post of Serbia; Ms Jadranka Jovanovic, veteran Serbian opera singer and
sitting Member of the National Assembly of Serbia; Mr Robert Coban, President of Color Press Group; senior officials from Belgrade City Administration, representatives from prominent Yoga Institutes, University professors and students, members of prominent Serbian print as well as AV media. Inspired by Gandhi’s living a cruelty-free
life, vegetarian refreshment was served to the honored guests.
India is thankful to the Government and people of Serbia for naming a road after Mahatma Gandhi and installing his bust at a prominent location in Belgrade. Several events will be organized in Belgrade and worldwide to mark the 150th birth anniversary of The Mahatma. These include screening of documentaries on Mahatma Gandhi, talk show, interaction with school students and distribution of books on life and work of Gandhi, planting of trees on World Environment Day, Global Cycling event in Gandhiji’s memory on World Bicycle Day (3rd June 2019), promotion of khadi products, vegetarian food festival, etc. amongst others.
