Beritabali.com, Badung. The Consulate General of India in Bali, in association with Museum Pasifika, jointly organized ‘Gandhi @150’ in relation to the commemoration of 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the Apostle of Peace this year. 

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A large number of people were present at the graceful function which was held at Museum Pasifika, Nusa Dua on Saturday, 28th September 2019. Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (1869-1948), fondly called Mahatma (meaning Great Soul) Gandhi, is considered the Father of the Indian Nation who spent his life working for the upliftment of the downtrodden and weaker sections of the society. 

His principles of ahimsa (non-violence) and Truth were the guiding principles in India’s struggle and the ultimate attainment of freedom from British rule in 1947. In recognition of the importance of his message, the United Nations has declared his birthday, October 2nd, as the International Day of Non-violence. 

The function was addressed by the Consul General of India, Mr. Prakash Chand, who highlighted the relevance of the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi in the contemporary world. The Consul General also explained that as part of series of marking 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the Consulate General of India in Bali also organized beach cleaning program in July 2019.

Apart from the speeches on Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. Pompi Paul, Indian Dance Teacher of Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre Bali (SVCC Bali) performed an enchanting Indian traditional dance on the occasion.

Re-launching of Gandhi @150 Stamp issued by Pos Indonesia last year was also becoming part of the function on that day. The re-launching of special commemorative stamp to mark 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi was conducted by the Consul General of India in Bali together with Representative of Pos Indonesia, Bali.

The Consulate also exhibited a photograph exhibition on the life of Mahatma Gandhi. The exhibition featured 40 photographs of Mahatma Gandhi. The photos show a young Gandhi at the age of seven in 1876, early years of legal practice in Johannesburg, South Africa in 1900, his struggle against apartheid in South Africa and during the Indian Independence Struggle. 

The exhibition was inaugurated at Asia Room of Museum Pasifika by the Consul General of India in Bali, Representative from Bali Government, Co-Founder of Museum Pasifika, Sister Janaki from Brahma Kumaris, and Representative from Pos Indonesia.

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After the official ceremonies, the Consul General invited all guests to enjoy delicious refreshments served at the Vegetarian Food Festival which was also part of the function. The vegetarian food festival was participated by three famous Indian restaurants in Bali namely Spice Mantraa,  Queen’s, and Ganesha ek Sanskriti.    

The function was attended by representative from Bali Regional Police, government officials, members of Consular Corps in Bali, religious and cultural personalities, educational personalities, figures in hospitality industries, Officials of Pos Indonesia and Philately Community, and Indian Community in Bali. (bbn/rls/rob)