Saudi Gazette JEDDAH — The Consulate General of India organized a series of events recently to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the "father of the nation." In his keynote speech in the celebrations held at the conference hall of the consulate, Consul General Mohammed Noor Rahman Sheikh emphasized that following Gandhi's ideals was the need of the hour in the present day world afflicted by unrest and turmoil. What Albert Einstein said when he heard about the demise of Gandhi is very true in the current scenario, he said while quoting the words of Einstein: "Generations to come will scarcely believe that such a one as this ever in flesh and blood walked upon this earth." Stating that the ideals of Gandhi were more relevant in the contemporary world, Sheikh drew attention to the article, titled "Why India and the world need Gandhi," written by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in The New York Times on Oct.2, highlighting that this great leader envisioned a world where every citizen has dignity and prosperity. "It is a matter of pride for all of us that Mahatma is an Indian. So many countries all around the world imbibe guidance and inspiration from his life and ideals," Sheikh said. "Charka and khadi, the symbols of our freedom struggle, infused huge mass awakening and the whole country enthusiastically followed him when he made salt during Dandi March and made a call for the boycott of British cloth," he recalled. Dr. Nazneen Rahman, wife of the consul general, and several dignitaries and prominent figures from the Indian community attended the function in which Moin Akther, consul of commerce & PIC, was the master of the ceremony. Y. Sabir, consul of Haj and head of chancery, L. Ramnarayan Iyer, executive editor of Saudi Gazette, Dr. Nouf Marwaai, founder of the Arab Yoga Foundation and the recipient of Padma Shri, and Mohammed Alungal, president of Abeer Group and vice president of Saudi India Business Network (SIBN), also spoke on the occasion. Y. Sabir said Mahatma Gandhi, the apostle of peace and non-violence, was a great leader and great philosopher who produced lasting and electrifying impact on the people of the world. India observes Oct. 2 not only as Gandhi's birthday but also as International Day of Non-Violence, the ideal that Gandhi fought for throughout his life. "In 2007, at the United General Assembly, the world countries unanimously adopted a resolution in this regard and it reflects the universal appeal for Gandhi's ideals, messages, and the simple ahd humble way of life," he said. Ramnarayan Iyer said Gandhi was the catalyst of change while India had gone through a massive disruption under the British colonial rule in the first half of the 19th century. "He used not one single strategy but multiple strategies to counter the British Raj and used the strength of every strategy to make a uniform strategy of multinational dimensions to bring about the change," he observed. Dr. Marwaai noted that Gandhi was the best practitioner and teacher of yoga. "The practice of yoga helped him strengthen his will to hold fast to noble ideals such as non-violence, and attain self-control, self-restraint, as well as control of appetite with consumption of moderate diet that contributed significantly to the betterment of his physical and mental health, and he used them for the betterment of the Indian society and the mankind as a whole," she said. As part of the celebrations, plantation of trees, screening of a movie on Gandhi, and competitions of painting, speech and essay were held. Consul General Sheikh, along with Dr. Nazneen Rahman and Dr. Nouf Marwaai planted trees to commemorate Gandhi's Sarvodaya vision of a healthy development and environment so as to ensure man's harmonious existence with nature and other living beings. Students of International Indian School Jeddah participated in the painting, speech and essay competitions. The winners of the first three positions were: Speech competition (Girls) — Shadia; Syeda Ruqaiyyah Ashfaq, and Shahanas Tabassum. (Boys): Muhammed Silar Sherif, Mohammed Salman and Abdul Subhan X B7 III prize. Painting competition (Girls): Rahaf Riyaz; Tessa Jomom; Pretty Anna; and Lubna Yusuf (consolation prize). (Boys): Touheed Abdullah; Lian Abdul Lateef; Uzair Ahmed Shaik; and Rayyan Ahamed (consolation prize). Essay competition (Girls): Paranjal Ganesh Palav; Suha Nowfal; Ireen F Zainab; and Safa Mustaq Khan (consolation prize). (Boys): Alwin Joseph; Asif Ahmed; and Abdul Rafay Mohammed
