Dubai: Mahatma Gandhi’s images will be beamed on Burj Khalifa this evening, marking the commencement of the 150th birth anniversary celebrations of India’s Father of the Nation.
Timings
The special LED show, jointly organised by the Indian Embassy, Abu Dhabi, Indian Consulate in Dubai and Emaar Properties, will take place at 8:20pm and 8:40pm on Tuesday, the consulate announced.
Gandhi Jayanti (Gandhi’s birthday) on October 2, a national festival in India, is also celebrated as the International Day of Non-Violence.
Watch: Burj Khalifa's LED show
The Burj Khalifa show will pay tribute to the apostle of truth, peace and non-violence in the world, the mission said.
Speaking on the occasion, Indian Ambassador to the UAE Navdeep Suri said: “I am delighted that we are celebrating one of the tallest personalities in the world by screening his image on the iconic building.
"I am sure that the events that we will organize over the next few months will not only remind all of us about the enduring message of Mahatma Gandhi but also motivate us to put some of his lessons into practice.”
Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman of Emaar Properties, said Gandhiji’s life has had profound impact on many generations and his remarkable philosophy of life serves as an inspiration to this day.
“By honouring Gandhi especially as India marks his 150th birth anniversary celebration, we are also saluting the strong UAE-India ties and the contribution of Indians to the development of our nation.”
Consul General of India in Dubai Vipul deeply appreciated the support of Emaar and the leadership of UAE for organizing the special LED display on Burj Khalifa. He said that this gesture was yet another manifestation of the strong friendly ties between India and UAE.
Celebrations
Earlier on Tuesday morning, Indian students began the celebrations by planting 150 saplings in honour of Gandhi in the premises of The Indian High School in Dubai.
They also paid tributes to the UAE’s founding father Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan by planting 100 saplings, marking his 100th birth anniversary observed as the Year of Zayed in the UAE.
The Indian missions in the UAE are hosting official celebrations in the premises of the consulate in Dubai and the Indian Social and Cultural Centre in Abu Dhabi later this evening.
Shaikh Nahyan Mubarak Al Nahyan, Cabinet Member and Minister of Tolerance will be the chief guest. Several hundred members of the Indian community, students and other nationalities are likely to participate in the celebration.
Speeches on Gandhian philosophy and cultural performances based on the theme of his message of peace and harmony will be presented.
