Ulaanbaatar /MONTSAME/. On the occasion of the 150^th birth anniversary of the leader of the Indian independence movement, freedom fighter and founder of the nonviolent theory Mahatma Gandhi, the Embassy of the Republic of India in Mongolia held wreath laying ceremony at the Mahatma Gandhi statue today, October 2.

According to the Indian tradition, flower petals were sprinkled to the statue of Mahatma Gandhi and monks chanted mantras. Mahatma Gandhi’s fight and protest for peace and independence inspired millions of Indians which led to become Independent Nation after WWII. In 2007, the UN declared the October 2, Gandhi’s birthday, the International Day of Non-Violence. Since then, the people of India celebrate his birthday nationwide and promote his teachings to the younger generations. This day is celebrated not only in India but also in 192 countries in the world.

Mahatma Gandhi’s statue was built in his memorial in the territory of Khan-Uul District in 2007. The statue is regarded as a historical and cultural  heritage of Mongolia.

The wreath laying ceremony was opened by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of India to Mongolia M.P. Singh. “Today marks the 150^th birth anniversary of humanity’s messenger of peace and non-violence theory bearer Mahatma Gandhi. This great man carried out Buddhism and Hinduism teachings in his own life and spread across the world. His philosophy is as simple as living all together in this world in peace. We will be able to carry out this philosophy of him to our everyday life.” he said. Moreover, he highlighted that “The Government of India and its Prime Minister promoted the disposal of  consumption of plastics aiming to demise the green future to the next generation” and he expressed his willingness to put an action on this subject.

Monks of Gandantegchinlen, Dashchoilin and Betub Monastery, students of the Rajiv Gandhi Polytechnic College of Production and Art, Embassy of the Republic of India in Mongolia and Indian expats in Mongolia attended the wreath laying ceremony.

Regarding to the 150^th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, series of events were organized by the Embassy of the Republic of India in Mongolia. For instance, Mahatma Gandhi academic conference and art contest among students of 21 provinces were held. Furthermore, 700 trees planted on World Environment Day, of which 150 trees planted at the memorial. In addition, a cycling parade was held on car-free day and promotion campaign took place among university and high-school students. A postal stamp is being released today to pay a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi with the joint cooperation of the Government of Mongolia and the Government of India.