Obama joins Indians in celebrating Gandhi Jayanthi

Lalit K Jha

Washington, Oct 2 (PTI) An ardent fan of Mahatma Gandhi,
US President Barack Obama on Friday joined Indians in praising
the apostle of peace on his 140th birth anniversary, saying
America has its "roots in the India of Mahatma Gandhi."

In a special message on Gandhi Jayanthi, which is
observed as the International Day of Non-violence, Obama said:
"We must renew our commitment to live his ideals and to
celebrate the dignity of all human beings."

"Gandhi's teachings and ideals, shared with Martin
Luther King Jr on his 1959 pilgrimage to India, transformed
American society through our civil rights movement," Obama,
who is inspired by Mahatma Gandhi, said.

Noting that Americans owe enormous gratitude to Gandhi,
Obama said the "America of today has its roots in the India of
Mahatma Gandhi and the nonviolent social action movement for
Indian independence which he led".

The President said on behalf of the American people he
wants to express appreciation for the life and lessons of
Mahatma Gandhi on the the anniversary of his birth.

"This is an important moment to reflect on his message
of non-violence, which continues to inspire people and
political movements across the globe," he said.

"We join the people of India in celebrating this great
soul who lived a life dedicated to the cause of advancing
justice, showing tolerance to all, and creating change through
non-violent resistance," Obama said. (More) PTI LKJ
RAI


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