International School Seychelles celebrates Gandhi’s legacy |01 October 2020
To celebrate the 150th anniversary of the birth of India's independence leader Mahatma Gandhi, born on October 2, the Indian high commission in collaboration with International School Seychelles (ISS) organised an exhibition detailing the life of the legendary figure.
The exhibition was officially opened yesterday in a small ceremony at ISS attended by the Indian high commissioner Dalbir Singh Suhag accompanied by his delegation, the principal of ISS Ashish Bhatnagar and students from various grades.
“Mahatma Gandhi is known across the world for his peace movement and his stance towards non-violence,” said the principal.
He added that it has been seventy years since Mahatma Gandhi departed this world but his life and soul continue to animate humanity transcending national and international boundaries. His contribution to human development is far too great and varied to have been forgotten or to be overlooked. The world today recognises him as a far more compelling social innovator than humanity ever realised.
On his part HC Suhag talked to the students about the successes and struggles that Gandhi went through in his lifetime.
“In pursuing this objective Gandhiji became a Mahatma. He became a messenger, for the people of the world surrounded by fire of violence in the twentieth century. He also became ‘The Father of The Nation’. He saved India and Britain from mutual hate and revenge by resorting to the experiment of Truth and Non-violence in India’s struggle for freedom. This created an atmosphere which made it possible for other countries of Asia and Africa to free themselves.”
The Indian high commision also donated a set of biographical books detailing the life of Gandhi.
Although Gandhi's 150th birth anniversary was last year, the consulate decided to celebrate his life over two years.
This exhibition is only one part of the events planned for this year’s anniversary.
A symposium will be organised in partnership with the University of Seychelles on October 2 at the Nyaopi convention hall. Throughout the last years the Indian high commission has also planted 150 trees with the help of the National Parks Authority, donated several books as well as organised essay writing competitions.
HC Suhag noted that the aim of the exhibition is to create curiosity around Gandhi and his ideals.
The accompanying photos taken by our photographer Anel Robert show some highlights of the ceremony yesterday at the ISS.
Christophe Zialor
