Mahatma Gandhi's non-violence philosophy true even today: Singapore PM

Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong exclaimed Mahatma Gandhi's advise remains true even today, wherein people are easily offended and differences are amplified. Celebrating the 150th anniversary of Gandhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the Mahatma Gandhi Plaque at Clifford Pier in June. IIT Kharagpur plans to organise the assembly of solar lamp kits on October 2 at Gandhi Marker at the Clifford Pier in Singapore.

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Lee pays tribute, calls Mahatma Gandhi's ideals of non-violence still ring true today

Lee paid a grand tribute to the Mahatma when he joined Prime Minister Modi in United Nations this week.

He said we must learn from Mahatma Gandhi's message and try to resolve our differences peacefully, appreciating the views of the other side, without holding any grudges. By this, countries can build a mutual understanding, tolerance, respect for one another while paying the tribute to the Mahatma Gandhi in New York. Lee cited Singapore's Gandhi Memorial Hall which was built with S$100,000 fund raised by local Indians then and has a Bronze bust, a donation by businessman Sheth G. Uttaram on April 25, 1953. 

Lee said "But beyond these physical traces, Gandhi's ideas and ideals have resonated and endured."

The Indian High Commissioner Jawed Ashraf lit a lamp on Friday, commencing a series of films on Gandhi over this weekend. The Creative Director at Singapore's Tagore Society, Dolly Sinha Davenport, reportedly said that there is no comparison to Gandhi's philosophy. India gained independence through Gandhi's non-violence. Singapore's Tagore Society will be organising screening of films on Gandhi.

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IIT Kharagpur's approach

The High Commission will be organising a ceremony on October 2, at Gandhi Marker at the Clifford Pier to pay homage to the Mahatma. The High Commission also agreed to host IIT Kharagpur's proposal to organise the assembly of solar lamp kits on the eve of Mahatma Gandhi's birthday. The institute plans to spread awareness about Gandhian values of preserving the environment and sustainability. The United Nations International Day of Non Violence will also be commemorated on the day. 

The mission will also be focused on involving schools and organising competitions, it has reportedly distributed 1,500 copies of the book 'The Story of My Experiments with Truth- Mahatma Gandhi' to the guests at the business summit. 

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Singapore revers Gandhi 

During Prime Minister Modi's visit to Singapore in 2018, Singapore's former premier Goh Chok Tong jointly unveiled a plaque to pay tribute at the site of Gandhi's ashes at the waterfront Clifford pier. After Gandhi died in 1948 and was cremated, Singapore received part of his ashes. Gandhi had never visited Singapore, but the strong relationship and impression he had developed with the Indian community. In March 1948, an urn containing Gandhi's ashes was brought to Malaya by the then Representative of the Government of India, John Thivy. The urn was taken to Singapore for an immersion ceremony. Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong has written an anthology on "What Gandhi Means in the 21st Century".

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(With PTI Inputs)