Mahatma Gandhi's 150th birth anniversary commemorated in Vietnam

• Buddhist cultural exchange of Vietnam, Russia, India held in Moscow
• Indian naval ship INS RANA to visit HCMC
• India’s Independence Day celebrated in Hanoi

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, called as ‘Mahatma Gandhi’ by all Indians, is the Father of the Nation who led the Indian independence movement against the British colonial rule by adhering to the principles of Truth (Satya) and Non-violence (Ahimsa) that completely transformed the political thought in the 20th century. Mahatma Gandhi, today is a universal figure and considered an apostle of peace and non-violence.

This year, in 2018, India has been organizing various functions and events to celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. On 27 August, Honorable External Affairs Minister of India H.E. Mrs. Sushma Swaraj unveiled the Bust of Mahatma Gandhiji in the courtyard of the Embassy of India in Hanoi.

The special commemorative function to celebrate the 150th birth anniversay of Mahatma Gandhi of Embassy of India in Vietnam on October 2nd saw the presence of Vice President Dang Nguyen Anh of VASS; Assistant Minister Nguyen Van Thao of MOFA and Most Venerable Thich Duc Thien, Vice Chairman and Secretary General of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha.

Speaking at the event, Indian Ambassador to Vietnam Parvathaneni Harish stressed the comparisons between President Ho Chi Minh and Mahatma Gandhi. He said: "Mahatma Gandhi and President Ho Chi Minh were not only "Father of their Nations" but also wise and intelligent political leaders who understood the corrosive impact of brutal colonialism on their societies, their peoples, and its impact on traditional cultures and values".

During the celebrations, Most Venderable Thich Duc Thien delivered a speech entitled ‘Satya Vaarta’ (Message of Truth) narrating how the life and message of Gandhiji has influenced him.

7 Commemorative Stamps on Mahatma Gandhi, designed and issued by the Indian Department of Posts.

On this occasion, 7 Commemorative Stamps on Mahatma Gandhi, designed and issued by the Indian Department of Posts, were released and presented to the Vietnamese dignitaries. 

The Embassy also screened a song “Vaishnav Jan To Tene Kahiye’ recorded by Ms. Pham Phi Nhung, a Vietnamese artist. ‘Vaishnav Jan To Tene Kahiye’ was written by Nasri Mehta in 15th Century, which was adopted by Mahatma Gandhi into the roster of prayers routinely sung at the Sabarmati Ashram.