The Indian Diaspora Council International (IDC), on the occasion of Mahatma Gandhi’s 153rd birth anniversary on October 2nd., issued a statement saluting and recognizing the contributions he made in the freedom struggle of India from British colonial rule.
The IDC is an organization headquartered in New York City. The press statement says the organization and its global affiliates, or branches in several countries and territories, join with “other organizations, agencies, officials, groups, individuals and institutions worldwide in commemorating the 153rd birthday of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, and pay special homage and grateful recognition of Gandhi ji as the preeminent leader of Indian independence movement in British-ruled India through non-violence means.”
The statement continues:
“IDC supports this worthy and deserving tribute to Gandhi ji and Gandhian non-violence teachings for peaceful protests to achieve freedom and social justice. Mahatma Gandhi’s non-violence teachings have inspired many to protest in peaceful ways against oppression, colonial rule, subjugation and violent discrimination in many countries.
Gandhi ji developed this non-violent way first and he succeeded in his goals, as India was completely freed from a European’s country domination. Gandhi ji championed the cause of freedom using non-violence which encouraged many other colonies of European powers to seek and obtain freedom from colonial rule.
Others, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr of USA, using similar techniques non-violence, were successful in organizing peaceful protests and ultimately achieving freedom, easing of oppressive rule, social injustice and legally ending racial discrimination. Nelson Mandela achieved a smooth transition to majority rule in South Africa following the teachings of peace and reconciliation.
Gandhi ji’s statement, “The difference between what we do and what we are capable of doing would suffice to solve most of the world’s problem” is a challenge to the world of the possibilities for good as well as the role and responsibility of everyone to be supportive of advancing social justice in even small ways. That is, to address the urgent and critical issues of the world, in particular global health, inequality, poverty, social justice and violence.”
www.IndianDiasporaCouncil.org