PM releases book on Mahatma

By Staff
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Google Oneindia News

New Delhi, Aug 9 (UNI) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said Mahatma Gandhi was not just a national hero, but a global leader whose message had universal relevance and would continue to do so in our troubled times.

"As long as we live in a world where there is injustice, inequality, violence, greed and hatred, the message of the Mahatma will ring true for all," he said while releasing a book on "Gandhian Way-Peace, Non-Violence and Empowerment," which is published by the Committee constituted by the Congress Party to celebrate the Centenary of Satyagraha launched by the Mahatma in South Africa on September 11, 1906.

He said Gandhiji used Satyagraha as a means of arousing the latent energy of our people to fight for their liberation from a life of humiliation and seek one of freedom and dignity.

"Gandhiji's heroic struggle and his philosophy based on truth and non-violence inspired legendary freedom fighters and freedom movements worldwide." Recalling the relevance of the Quit India movement launched by the Mahatma in Mumbai on August 9, 1942, Dr Singh said "when Gandhiji gave that slogan, he was not giving a negative slogan of rejection of the world. He was giving a positive slogan of empowerment of his people." The book release, organised by the Congress Party as part of its observance of the anniversary of the launch of the Quit India movement by the Mahatma, was attended by Party President Sonia Gandhi, political and social leaders and diplomats at "Gandhi Smriti" where the "Father of the Nation" fell to assassins bullet in 1948.

Dr Singh said the book was illuminated by the wisdom of world leaders who had attended the "Satyagraha Conference" organised by the Congress Party early this year in Delhi. Their analytical and sincere observations would be read with keen interest by those who derive inspiration from the life and work of Mahatma Gandhi.

"This volume underscores once again that Gandhiji's message was not confined to his lifetime nor restricted to our people or region.

It was unviersal and all encompassing. He belongs to all humankind and the values espoused by him will continue to inspire future generations." Ms Gandhi said the declaration of October 2 (Mahatma Gandhi's birthday) as the ''International Day of Peace and Non-Violence" by the UN General Assembly in June this year reflected the widespread desire for peaceful co-existence. In this context, she cited the support that India's resolution on the subject had won from 142 countries.

"Gandhiji's message is timeless and eternal transcending all borders," she said.

Defence Minister A K Antony and Minister of State for External Affairs Anand Sharma also spoke, on the occasion.

UNI

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