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Published 12:49 IST, October 2nd 2019

PM Narendra Modi's 'Einstein Challenge' on 150th Gandhi Jayanti

On the occasion of Gandhi's 150th birth anniversary, PM Narendra Modi wrote for the op-ed section of 'The New York Times'. He posed a tricky question to readers

Reported by: Apoorva Rao
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PM Modi
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On the occasion of Mahatma Gandhi's 150th birth anniversary, PM Narendra Modi wrote for the op-ed section of 'The New York Times'. PM Modi shared his deep understanding of Bapu's philosophy of non-violent movements and how it had led to global peaceful revolutions. PM Modi also spoke about Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi's vier on nationalism, where he had asserted that no one can be internationalist without becoming a nationalist first, by speaking in one voice as a nation. He also challenged the readers and generations to come into this world - would they believe whether someone as idealist and peaceful as Mahatma Gandhi ever walked on this planet.

READ | 'Mahatma Gandhi changed history': UN Chief Antonio Guterres's tribute

PM Modi's Einstein Challenge to 'NY Times' readers

'The New York Times' published an opinion column by PM Modi on Mahatma Gandhi's 150th birth anniversary. Titled as 'Why India and the World Need Gandhi,' the column expounded on the undying relevance of the core of Gandhi's principals of non-violence and ended by posing a challenge which showed that he was among the few great souls to walk on this earth.' As a tribute to Gandhi, I propose what I call the Einstein Challenge. We know Albert Einstein’s famous words on Gandhi: “Generations to come will scarce believe that such a one as this ever in flesh and blood walked upon this earth.”'

READ | Sachin Tendulkar eyes 'Swachh & Swasth India', salutes Mahatma Gandhi

The United States General Secretary Antonio Guterres on Wednesday tweeted paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi on the occasion of his 150th birth anniversary. The UN chief called Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, who is remembered in India as Bapu and revered as the Father of the Nation, a pioneer in non-violent movements. He said that Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy was the core of the work of the United Nations. He also said that Bapu's non-violent movements such as the Satyagraha changed the course of history.

READ | Pune Railway stn exhibition captures Mahatma Gandhi's train journeys

PM Modi pays tribute to Mahatma Gandhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi on his 150th birth anniversary at Raj Ghat in New Delhi. Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress president Sonia Gandhi also paid floral tributes to the Father of Nation. Both the BJP and Congress have planned several events to mark the event. PM Modi will go to Gujarat for launching the 'Gandhi Sankalp Yatra'.

READ | Priyanka Gandhi Vadra leads Congress peace march on Gandhi Jayanti

Updated 13:01 IST, October 2nd 2019