Geneva, Oct 2 (ANI): President Pratibha Devisingh Patil, who is presently on an eight-day official visit to Switzerland and Austria, on Sunday paid floral tributes to the apostle of peace Mahatma Gandhi at his statue at Ariana Park, adjacent to the UN office in Geneva, on his 142nd birth anniversary.
President Patil had earlier in her message on the eve of Gandhi Jayanti said this is an occasion for all of us to rededicate ourselves to deeply understand and internalize Bapuji's message of peace, tolerance, communal harmony and work for national development
"We celebrate the Birth Anniversary of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi on 2nd October every year. This is an occasion for all of us to rededicate ourselves to deeply understand and internalize Bapuji's message of peace, tolerance, communal harmony and work for national development," said President Patil.
"The significance of Gandhiji's philosophy of Non-Violence and peace is relevant today as never before. Whenever, I remember Bapuji, particularly on this day, I am always overwhelmed by his leadership and his values. Gandhiji's leadership inspired millions to unite for the cause of freedom and independence. On the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, let us dedicate ourselves to the ideals and work of this great soul," she added.
This statue of Mahatma Gandhi which sits in Geneva's Ariana park was a gift from the Indian Government to the city, underscoring the role of Geneva in promoting peace, harmony and friendship, values closely associated with Gandhi and celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity of August 14, 1948 between India and Switzerland.
The emergence of friendship between India and Switzerland formally started with the Treaty of Friendship and Establishment of 1948 and was strengthened in various fields such as development, economy, and culture. The exchanges between the two countries have since then increased.
President Patil arrived in Switzerland on September 30 for a five-day state visit to enhance bilateral relations. She will stay in Switzerland till October 4 and then travel to Austria for a state visit from October 4 to 7.
The members of the delegation accompanying the President include Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Rajeev Shukla and Members of Parliament Vijay Jawaharlal Darda, Prataprao Ganpatrao Jadhav, and Dr. Chinta Mohan.
Senior officials including the Secretary to President Dr. Christy Fernandez and Secretary (West), Ministry of External Affairs, are also a part of the delegation, besides a number of business leaders and members of the media. By Sanjay Mohan (ANI)
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