Cairo, Oct 25: A bronze bust of Mahatma Gandhi, gifted to the people of Egypt by India in recognition of their peaceful pro-democracy revolution, has been unveiled here to mark the fifth international day of non-violence.
The bust was unveiled by Egypt's Minister of Culture Emad Abou Ghazi and the Ambassador of India R Swaminathan at the Supreme Council for Culture here yesterday.
Made by renowned Indian sculptor Ram Sutar, the bust has been gifted by Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) to the government and people of the Egypt in recognition of the fact that Egyptians adopted Gandhian ideals and philosophy to bring about a peaceful revolution in the country.
“The question usually asked today if whether the ideas of Mahatma Ghandi still hold place in our world today. The events which Egypt witnessed earlier this year shows beyond doubt that peaceful paths and non-violence finally lead to good results,” Swaminathan said.
The Indian government has pledged its steadfast support to Egypt during its transition period.
At the same time, the Maulana Azad centre in Cairo, also issued a special booklet on Gandhi entitled: “Gandhi, his life and his messages”.
The book touches the different stages of Gandhi's life from childhood to the last days while placing his most famous quotes with his images.
In 2007, the UN General Assembly adopted a unanimous resolution to establish the International Day of Non-Violence. to spread the message of non-violence, including through education and public awareness, around the world.
Reflecting the universal respect for Gandhi and his philosophy, October 2, which is his birth anniversary, was chosen as the International Day of Non-violence.
