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Seoul: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday unveiled the bust of Mahatma Gandhi in South Korea’s premier Yonsei University and said the occasion assumes greater significance in light of Gandhi’s 150th birth anniversary.
“In the 20th century, Gandhi was perhaps mankind’s biggest gift. In the last century, through his life and personality, he showed what the future would be. He in fact used to say my life is the message,” Modi said in his address in the South Korean capital.
“This occasion assumes greater significance since we are celebrating Mahatma Gandhi’s 150th birth anniversary and the world is finding in Gandhi’s principles a future for mankind’s interests,” he added.
A later tweet by the Prime Minister’s office quoted him as saying: “The thoughts and ideals of Bapu have the power to help us overcome the menace of terrorism and climate change — two challenges humanity faces in these times.
“Through his lifestyle, Bapu showed what living in harmony with nature is. He also showed that it is important to leave a clean and green planet for the future generations.”
Modi is on a two-day state visit to South Korea where he will accept the Seoul Peace Prize and have business and political engagements. He will also address the India-Korea business symposium.
Modi’s address was followed by that of former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, who spoke of Gandhi’s birthday — October 2 — as the International Day of Non-Violence, adding that he was honoured to be part of the celebrations of Gandhi’s 150th birth anniversary.
Ban said he was inspired by the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi and his bust, unveiled at the prestigious Yonsei University here, will serve as the source of inspiration for the people of South Korea.
“It (Mahatma Gandhi’s bust) is the most invaluable gift to the Korean people and the university students,” Ban said, adding that from this day onwards, it will serve as the source of inspiration for common people.
He said he started his diplomatic career from India in 1972 and was inspired by the principles of Mahatma Gandhi.
“Gandhi’s seven deadly sins, which are: Politics without principle, Wealth without work, Pleasure without conscience, Knowledge without character, Commerce without morality, Science without humanity, Worship without sacrifice. It is most inspiring even for all of us,” the former UN Secretary General said.
Ban was the eighth Secretary-General of the United Nations. He held office from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2016. He was unanimously re-elected by the General Assembly for a second mandate in June 2011.
He said he felt honoured to be invited to serve as a member of international advisors to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi by the Indian Prime Minister.
“Indian government or India had decided to place the bust of this great figure on the campus of Yonsei University,” he added.
Ban said as UN Secretary General, he found Modi as one of the “strongest and staunchest” supporter of the United Nation, world peace, human rights, climate change and overall sustainable development.
