Nepal will pursue Gandhi's principles of peace, non-violence: Minister

Nepal will pursue Mahatma Gandhi's principles of peace and non-violence for economic prosperity and well-being, the country's Defence Minister Ishwor Pokharel said here Tuesday at an event to mark the 150th birth anniversary of the towering leader.

Pokharel said Gandhi was not only the father of the nation for India, but also the figure of inspiration for peace and non-violence for the whole world.

Gandhi showed the path of peaceful coexistence by implementing his ideology in his life, said Pokharel, who is also the Acting Prime Minister.

Nepal has just completed the decade-long peace process and now it will move towards the path of economic prosperity and wellbeing by pursing Gandhi's principles of non-violence and peace, he said.

Though Gandhi was born in India, he became the leader for those who championed peace, non-violence and universal brotherhood, Pokharel said.

India's ambassador to Nepal Manjeev Singh Puri said that the 150th birth anniversary of Gandhi will be celebrated around the world by organising different programmes for the next two years.

Gandhi not only gave freedom and self-respect to the people of India, but also spread the message of peace, non-violence and empowerment to the whole humanity, Puri said.

Although Gandhi did not visit Nepal in his lifetime, his works have been influencing the people of Nepal, which is evident from the Charkha movement launched by late Tulasi Meher Shrestha, the great Gandhian follower of Nepal, said Puri.

A slide presentation on the life and message of Gandhi and an excellent rendition of his favourite Bhajan 'Vaishnav Jan To' marked the event attended by political and civil society leaders, besides academicians, intellectuals, diplomats, government officials and media persons at the City Hall.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)