Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on the 25th of September, addressed an event organised by the United Nation (UN) in New York, on the occasion of the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
PM Modi, while addressing the event Leadership Matters: Relevance of Gandhi in Temporary Times, saluted Mahatma Gandhi’s vision and morals.
The Indian Mission to the UN in New York organised the event.
PM Modi said, “Gandhiji was an Indian, but he did not just belong to India. Whether it was Martin Luther King Jr. or Nelson Mandela, their beliefs were somewhat influenced by Mahatma Gandhi’s vision.” He further added, “Today, we are living in an era of ‘How to Impress’ but Gandhiji’s vision was ‘How to Inspire.’”
Mr. Modi appreciated the vision of Gandhiji and said the latter “emphasised on the real power of democracy.” Modi said, “Today, the definition of democracy has a limited meaning that the people should choose the government of their choice and the government should work according to the expectations of the people. But Mahatma Gandhi showed the direction in which people should not depend on governance and become self reliant.”
Prime Minister Modi highlighted the contribution of Mahatma Gandhi to India’s development, politics and freedom struggle.
Mr. Modi said Gandhiji was a pioneer who spoke about the social reforms in India and emphasised on their importance in individuals’ lives.
Highlighting Mahatma Gandhi’s quote “Be the change you want to see in the world,” Mr. Modi referred to himself and said, “In the last five years, we have given priority to people’s participation. Whether it is Swachh Bharat Abhiyan or Digital India, people are now leading these campaigns themselves.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his speech by highlighting the significance of Mahatma Gandhi ideals, in terms of humanity and inspiration. He said, “I’m extremely grateful to the United Nations (UN) for this programme and issuing a special commemorative stamp to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.”
Mr. Modi is at the UN for the 74th UN General Assembly session, which started on the 23rd of September and will continue till the 27th of September.
Mr. Modi is expected to return to India on the 28th of September.
Stay tuned for further updates.
