PM flags off Ahimsa Diwas Padyatra, says 'ahimsa' for the brave

New Delhi, Oct 2 (UNI) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh while flagging of the 'Ahimsa Diwas Padyatra', to mark the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, today reminded the Congress party of its role in leading the 'movement of ahimsa' across the country and spreading the message of the father of the nation.

The Congress had a big role in India's Independence struggle and it has a major responsibility in leading the people on the path of non-violence, he told the gathering peppered by Congress leaders of all hues, Union Ministers, Parliamentarians and local MLAs.

''I am happy that the 'Ahimsa Diwas Pad Yatra' will take the message of non-violence to everyone.'' Enumerating Gandhiji's struggle on the path of 'ahimsa', Dr Singh said today its importance and strength has been forgotten, but the Mahatma's prescription was relevant even today -- not just as a way of life but as a tool to govern the country as well.

Expressing happiness over the United Nations' decision to declare October 2, Gandhiji's birthday, as 'International Non-Violence Day', the Prime Minister said Bapu's message of non-violence was for the brave and not for the coward.

The 'padyatra,' which started from the All India Congress Committee headquarters at Akbar Road, went upto the Gandhi Samadhi at Rajghat.

UNI