A grand event was organized by Embassy of India in association with Raja Yoga Center for Self-Development, to celebrate 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and United Nations International Day of Non-violence on 2nd October 2019. The event was graced by H.E. Ali bin Khalfan bin Salem Al Jabri, Undersecretary, Ministry of Information as Chief Guest and also attended by senior officials from Government of Oman, Ambassadors, diplomats, other Omani & Indian dignitaries and members of Indian community.

The event started with lighting of candles and observance of silence for one minute to contribute towards World peace. Ambassador of India to the Sultanate of Oman, H.E. Munu Mahawar delivered the welcome speech and talked about universal relevance of ideas of Mahatma Gandhi, such as Peace, Non-Violence, Sarvodaya and Sustainability. Ambassador also stated that Oman, under the leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos, is a living example of continued relevance of Gandhiji’s ideals.

A live instrumental rendition of Gandhi ji’s favorite bhajan, ‘Vaishnav Jan To’, which means ‘Good Human Being’ was also performed during the event. The winners of Photography competition organized by Embassy of India on the themes of ‘Gandhi and Me’ and Oman: ‘Land of Peace’ were also announced during the event.

The Embassy in association with Indian Institute of Technology Bombay and Board of Directors - Indian Schools in Oman also organized ‘Student Solar Ambassador Program’ in 15 Indian schools across Oman to commemorate Gandhi [at] 150. The school students assembled solar lamps and joined more than 1 million students from 60 countries, participating in the global movement for sustainability. The students were sensitized towards solar energy, to inculcate a desire for peace, tolerance, understanding, and non-violence towards environment.

Internationally acclaimed motivational speaker, Sister B.K. Jayanti Kirpalani delivered keynote address on the theme of ‘One Heart One Mind One World’ and mesmerized the audience as she spoke about Peace being the basis of Happiness. The participation of large number of people in the Gandhi [at] 150 celebration attested to the global relevance and popularity of Mahatma Gandhi’s message of Peace, humanity and non-violence.

This year is special as we celebrate 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and are in middle of two yearlong celebrations. In the coming months, Indian Embassy will organize more events including a Khadi Exhibition and a Vegetarian Food Festival and we look forward to active participation by the residents of Oman belonging to all nationalities.

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