A song written by a 15th century Indian poet and sung by Fijian artist Natalie Raikadroka was launched by President Jioji Konrote while officiating at the 150th birth anniversary celebrations of Mahatma Gandhi at University of the South Pacific last night.
The President also launched the same song sung by Nauruan artists along with various postage stamps.
The President says Gandhi’s beliefs are still very relevant in the twenty first century and that his life is the story of heroic effort to establish the values of truth and non-violence and in pursuing this he became a Mahatma or Saint.
The President further stated that Gandhi’s faith in the power of non-violence was reflected by his quote “ non-violence is the first article of my faith, it is also the last article of my creed”.
He highlighted that Mahatma Gandhi’s five pillars of non-violence were respect, understanding, acceptance, appreciation and compassion.
He says these are simple habits, characteristics or traits that we can all try to emulate and nurture at a personal level which will have an impact on our relationship with one another.
The President says it is also appropriate that on the Mahatma’s birthday, the United Nations observes the International Day of non-violence.
