Embassy of India, jointly with United Nations Office in Serbia & Belgrade, City authorities, was commemorating Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of Indian nation and the International Day of Non-Violence on Saturday, 15 October 2016. Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (1869-1948), known as Mahatma (a Great Soul), had during the 20th century, which was quite violent, succeeded in promoting the philosophy of non-violent resistance and solving disputes, a unique experience in social protest that was later an inspiration to other world movements and individuals. Gandhi demonstrated to the world the effectiveness of non-violent means for bringing about profound social changes and lasting peace, a universal message which continues to be relevant in today’s strife-torn world.
In 2007, at the initiative of the Government of India, The UN General Assembly passed a unanimous Resolution to declare October 2, the Mahatma’s birthday as the International Day of Non-Violence. The Resolution was co-sponsored by the Government of Serbia. In the same year, the Government of Serbia installed the Gandhi bust, a gift from Government of India, at the Gandhi street in New Belgrade, so named in 1970.
Floral tributes was organised at the Gandhi bust on Saturday, October 15, 2016 to pay homage to this great soul as per the following programme:
1100 hrs Arrival of guests. Gandhi bhajans in the background
1115 hrs Arrival of Chief Guest.
1120 hrs Traditional Serbian offerings to guests and Gandhi: bread and salt by Director of the Balkankult Foundation
1130 hrs National Anthems of India and Serbia by the students of 8th grade gymnasium
1140 hrs Welcome remarks by H.E. Narinder Chauhan, Ambassador of India
1145 hrs Remarks by Chief Guest
1155 hrs Remarks by H.E. Ms. Irena Vojackova Sollorano, UN Resident Coordinator
1200 hrs Remarks by H.E. Mr. Andreja Mladenovic, Deputy Mayor, Belgrade
1205 hrs Remarks by Prof Aleksandar Petrovic
1210 hrs Reading of Gandhi quotes by student Aleksandra Stevanovic
1215 hrs Hymns for Gandhi by Veljko Gligorijevic and students
1220 hrs My impression of life and work of Mahatma Gandhi by Mirkovic Minja, student of 8th Belgrade Gymnasium
1225 hrs Floral homage at the bust of the Mahatma Gandhi
H.E. Mrs. Narinder Chauhan, Ambassador of India, H.E. Ms. Irena Vojackova Sollorano, UN Resident Coordinator in Serbia, H.E. Mr. Andreja Mladenovic, Belgrade Deputy Mayor, Representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of Serbia were among those who will pay homage to the Father of the Indian Nation.
