Glasgow (Mandeep Khurmi Himmatpura)
Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation of India and a source of inspiration for the world, is revered all over the world as a symbol of unity and peace. Every year his birthday is celebrated with full enthusiasm and respect. But this year, on the occasion of Mahatma Gandhi’s 150th birth anniversary, Gandhi Jayanti was celebrated in Edinburgh, Scotland with Scottish historical events and enthusiasm. In this regard, the Government of India has given high priority to the celebration of the 150th birth anniversary of the ‘Father of the Nation’ Mahatma Gandhi during the last two years 2018-2020 and this two year commemoration period ends on October 2, 2020. The last celebration of the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi was held with great enthusiasm by the Consulate General of India in Edinburgh. On October 2, 2020, the Consul General, Mr. Hitesh Governor, along with Bailey Leslie Cameron, Representing the Edinburgh City Council, and Mr. Martin Day, Member of Parliament, paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on the auspicious occasion of Gandhi Jayanti at Edinburgh’s Sighton Park. This was followed by a separate program at the Consulate General of India in Rutland Square, Edinburgh. The ceremony also saw the laying of a wreath at the statue of Gandhi, speeches and hymns on Mahatma Gandhi, among which Vaishnav Jan and Raghupati Raghav were prominent. Apart from this, an exhibition with essays on Gandhiji and an exhibition also included awarding prizes to the winners of the competition and light vegetarian meals. The event was addressed by Councilor General Hitesh Governor, Bailey Leslie Cameron and MP Martin Day, and a video message was delivered by South Archie Council Provost Seeler Helen Mooney At the same time, Dr. Talat Ahmed also contributed in the function by giving a talk on ‘Gandhiji’s Religious Ethics and its Contemporary Context’. Along with the Gandhi Jayanti messages of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, a video of the Ministry of External Affairs was also presented at the function with a glimpse of celebrations from around the world. However, due to restrictions on COVID19, the gathering was restricted and the program was broadcast live for full coverage. Finally, the Consul General thanked Provost Helen Mooney for erecting a statue of Mahatma Gandhi in the South Archire Town Hall.
