On Thursday, October 2, Indian missions across the globe commemorated the 156th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, paying tribute to his enduring message of peace, non-violence, and social justice. Gandhi Jayanti, celebrated annually, not only honours the Father of the Nation’s philosophy but also serves as the International Day of Non-Violence, observed worldwide to spread his ideals.
In New Zealand, the Indian High Commission hosted a ceremony to mark Gandhi’s 156th birthday. High Commissioner Neeta Bhushan welcomed distinguished guests, including public figures of Indian origin, Members of Parliament Anand Satyanand and Paramjeet Parmar, community leaders, and friends of New Zealand. The event highlighted Gandhi’s relevance in contemporary society and reflected on the transformative impact of his teachings.
Japan also observed the occasion with R. Madhu Sudan, Charge d’Affaires, and Team India, alongside Edogawa City officials, teachers, students, and members of the Indian diaspora, paying floral tributes at the Gandhi statue in Edogawa. The ceremony celebrated Gandhi’s timeless commitment to peace and non-violence.
In Nepal, Indian Ambassador Naveen Srivastava led celebrations at the embassy in Kathmandu, offering floral tributes and felicitating sanitation workers for their service under the ‘Swachhata Hi Seva 2025’ campaign. Students and teachers of Kendriya Vidyalaya Kathmandu performed hymns cherished by Gandhi, reinforcing his values and teachings.
Port Moresby’s University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) also participated, with Indian High Commissioner Rajeev Kumar, the University’s Vice Chancellor Ian Findlay, and faculty members paying homage to Gandhi’s principles.
In Australia, celebrations took place in Sydney and Perth. S. Janakiraman, Consul General of India in Sydney, led a tribute at Gandhi’s statue in Jubilee Park, joined by Indian-origin Labour Councillor Sameer Pandey and community members. In Perth, Consul General Naresh Kumar attended an event organised by Ahimsa Australia, promoting Gandhi’s message of non-violence.
Meanwhile, in Sao Paulo, as part of the ongoing Swachhata Hi Seva 2025 initiative, Indian Consul General Hansraj Singh Verma and officials from the Consulate General conducted a cleanliness drive at the Gandhi statue in Praca Tulio Fontoura. The campaign highlighted Gandhi’s vision of a cleaner, greener, and sustainable India, encouraging global participation in environmental responsibility.
These international tributes reflect Gandhi’s universal influence, inspiring communities worldwide to uphold his ideals of truth, compassion, and service.
