Dubai residents pay tribute to Gandhi with early morning march
Scores of Dubai residents stepped out in tribute to the global hero of passive resistance Mahatma Gandhi during a peace walk marking the 150th anniversary of his birth yesterday.
People of all ages completed an early morning march through Zabeel Park to celebrate the lasting legacy of the cherished hero of Indian independence.
The walk for peace and tolerance began at 6am, with people happy to embrace a brisker pace putting their best foot forward for a four-kilometre run around the beauty spot.
The event was organised by the Consulate General of India in Dubai.
Many people sported commemorative T-shirts baring the slogan “150 years of celebrating the Mahatma” and wore broad smiles as a festive atmosphere took hold in the park. After its early and brisk start, the day in honour of one of India’s favourite sons continued with other activities.
In schools across the Emirates, pupils shone a light on the historic achievements of Gandhi by taking part in workshops to assemble solar study lamps.
Last month, Emirates Post launched a stamp to mark the birth date of the inspirational figure to coincide with the official visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the UAE.
During Mr Modi’s visit, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, said the civil rights campaigner remained a key role model for future generations.
“The national and humanitarian figures, such as the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Mahatma Gandhi, remain immortal in the memory of their peoples and the peoples of the world, as both figures represent shining models in world history as role models and for their work for the sake of peace, tolerance and coexistence among human beings,” Sheikh Mohamed said.
This year, an exhibition celebrating Gandhi and Sheikh Zayed, the Founding Father, opened in Abu Dhabi.