On October 2, the Embassy of India in Astana solemnly celebrated the 156th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and the United Nations–declared International Day of Non-Violence. The event took place at the Gandhi Monument on the banks of the Yessil River, infotаbigаt.kz reports.
The ceremony began with the laying of floral tributes at the monument to Mahatma Gandhi. Among those in attendance were H.E. Mr. Y.K. Sailas Thangal, Ambassador of India to Kazakhstan; Mr. Meirkhan Erik Serikuly, Deputy Akim of Astana; H.E. Archbishop George Panamthundil, Apostolic Nuncio to Kazakhstan; H.E. Ms. Rosalba Lo Bué Antico, Ambassador of Venezuela to Kazakhstan; Mr. Azamat Malybayev, Deputy Akim of the Baikonyr District; as well as members of the diplomatic corps, media representatives, members of the Indian community, Indian students, and friends of India in Kazakhstan.
Participants reaffirmed their commitment to the universal principles of peace, truth, and non-violence.
Photo by the Embassy of India in Kazakhstan
Ambassador Thangal paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi as a symbol of peace and non-violence, highlighting that his words, “My life is my message,” continue to guide humanity. He emphasized that Gandhi’s values — truth, interfaith harmony, sustainable living, and compassion — remain deeply relevant in addressing today’s global challenges such as conflict, inequality, and climate change.
The Ambassador also noted that Kazakhstan holds Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy in high esteem. Monuments to him have been erected in Astana and Almaty; a Center for Indian Studies operates at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University; and both a museum and a school named after Mahatma Gandhi have been established in Almaty. These landmarks symbolize the enduring friendship and shared values between India and Kazakhstan.
In addition, students of the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC) and Indian medical students studying in Astana performed some of Gandhi’s favorite bhajans.