Seychelles celebrates Gandhi Jayanti |03 October 2023

Gandhi Jayanti is an annual celebration held on October 2 to honour the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, and it is a national holiday in India.

In commemoration of this event, the Indian High Commission in Seychelles organised a small gathering at the Peace Park in Victoria, graced by the presence of Minister Errol Fonseka, Minister Rose-Marie Hoareau, and representatives from the diplomatic community.

When addressing the guests, the Indian High Commissioner, Karthik Pande, spoke about four pivotal principles espoused by Mahatma Gandhi, affectionately known as Bapu, who led India to its independence.

HC Pande stated, “As we are all aware, Gandhiji's life itself was his message, and its relevance endures in today's world. His philosophy of non-violence, or 'Ahimsa,' is his enduring legacy, especially in a world often marred by conflicts and aggression. His unwavering commitment to peaceful resistance remains a timeless lesson.”

“In an era marked by tensions among nations, communities, and individuals, Gandhiji's message of conflict resolution through dialogue, understanding, and non-violence resonates even more profoundly,” he added.

The second cornerstone of Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy is the concept of ‘Satyagraha’ or ‘Truth Force’. Commissioner Pande noted that this principle was at the heart of Gandhi's beliefs as he believed in the power of truth and moral strength to conquer even the mightiest oppressors.

“In today’s world, where misinformation and fake news can sway public opinion and foment hatred, he emphasised the importance of truth and integrity as guiding principles.”

The third tenet highlights the significance of cleanliness, with Gandhi advocating, “Everyone must be their own scavenger”.

Lastly, Gandhi propagated an unwavering commitment to service and the greater good. “This reminds us that our lives attain meaning not through personal accumulation but through contributing to the welfare of others. In a world often dominated by self-interest, his call to serve the marginalised and vulnerable resonates with our collective conscience,” said HC Pande.

Yesterday’s ceremony also included an insight on ‘non-violence’ delivered by Diane Benoit, the director of the James R. Mancham Peace and Diplomacy Research Institute at the University of Seychelles.

She stated that the concept of non-violence forms a philosophical and practical framework that underscores the importance of peaceful and non-aggressive conduct.

Ms Benoit further elaborated that non-violence extends beyond the absence of physical violence, embracing values such as compassion, tolerance, and reconciliation.

“Mahatma Gandhi, a prominent advocate of non-violence, perceived it as a potent force for driving societal and political transformations, appealing to the moral conscience of both individuals and governments. The significance of non-violence as a moral and ethical principle is profound and far-reaching, with implications that extend to both individual and societal levels.”

It should be noted that Gandhi's philosophy continues to inspire people worldwide, with films continuing to celebrate these ideas.

Yesterday’s ceremony also featured a prayer and a Bharatanatyam performance by both children and adults. The event concluded with the sharing of Indian chai and snacks among attendees.

The accompanying photos show some highlights of the event.

Vidya Gappy

Photos: Louis Toussaint