Seychelles, India honour Gandhi’s legacy of peace |03 October 2026

The values of peace, non-violence and respect for humanity took centre stage yesterday as officials from India and Seychelles gathered at Victoria’s Peace Park to commemorate the 157th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, celebrated annually as Gandhi Jayanti.

Held at Gandhi’s statue, the ceremony reflected on the enduring relevance of his philosophy at a time when the world continues to confront armed conflicts, climate change, economic challenges and other issues affecting communities across the globe.

High Commissioner of India to Seychelles, Rohit Rathish, said Gandhi’s message remains particularly significant in today’s global climate.

Extending greetings on behalf of the High Commission of India and the people of India, Mr Rathish recalled words recently quoted by India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr S. Jaishankar, at the United Nations General Assembly: “There is no way to peace. Peace is the way.”

He said Gandhi’s principle of Ahimsa, or non-violence, should not be mistaken for passivity.

“Non-violence was not passivity. It was active, courageous leadership which insisted that moral means matter as much as the ends,” he said.

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