Amman: President Pranab Mukherjee today inaugurated a street in the capital city of Jordan named after Mahatma Gandhi.
A part of the Saddzagloul Street has been named theMahatma Gandhi Street which after two intersections retains its old name which honours the Egyptian movement leader.
Mayor of Amman Aqel bel Tagi at a ceremony said that the street was specially chosen to be named after the Indian leader because “it connects the history of struggle for peace” in India and this part of the world.
”This street in particular was chosen because it meets with a royal family member, the brother of his Majesty the King, and it goes straight to meet with the leader of a peaceful revolution as well, Saddzagloul, who was also active during the period when Mahatma Gandhi was active,” bel Tagi said.
The late King Abdullah I also struggled in a peaceful manner to gain independence from Imperial rule in 1946, a year before India. This reflects the similarities and synergies between us, the Mayor noted.
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”We wanted to symbolise that Mahatma Gandhi is not only in the hearts of our city but also connects to the history of struggle for peace,” he added.
The City Council also presented Mukherjee with the golden key of Amman commemorating his historic visit, which the Mayor described as a “manifestation of friendship and strong ties between the two capitals Amman and Delhi and the people of India and Jordan”.
The President expressed his country's sincere appreciation on the gesture emphasising on the strong bonding between the two countries.
”The renaming of the street, as you correctly pointed out, connects the history of the freedom struggle of people under subjugation and also reflects the advancement of human civilisation in a city which is the cradle of civilisation,” Mukherjee said.
The President also planted an olive tree in the Peace Park here.
