We must emulate Gandhi—minister

Minister of Education, Science and Technology Bright Msaka says the life of Mahatma Gandhi, a leader of the Indian independence movement from Britain, needs to be celebrated as he always preached peace.

The minister made these remarks in Lilongwe yesterday during the commemoration of Gandhi’s birthday.

Born on October 2 1869, Gandhi led India to independence and inspired movements for civil rights across the world.

Said Msaka: “There are several lessons I leant from Gandhi, but chief among them is that truth always triumphs no matter what. That simplicity is a virtue; innovation is key, the art of life-long learning and sacrifice. Gandhi never shied away from sacrifice. In fact, his entire life was lived in a spirit of sacrifice.”

According to the minister, Gandhi, in his love for others and for India, quit his previous life as a successful lawyer to serve his countrymen.

“This man also went without the safety and luxuries that came with being a lawyer in order to expose himself to a multitude of challenges and difficulties. Even after he succeeded in his dream of India’s independence, he sacrificed offers of positions of power in order to continue his life of simplicity and peace,” added Msaka.

In his remarks, Indian High Commissioner Suresh Kumar Menon said Gandhi is still highly respected in India because of what he achieved.

“Gandhi is the father of the Indian nation and without him India would not have been where it is now. This man always preached peace and sacrificed quite a lot for the sake of others and we will always remember his achievements,” said Menon.

During the celebrations which took place at the Indian High Commission, school children mounted several displays and there were several competitions, including painting.

Gandhi, who died on January 30 1948, was raised in a Hindu merchant caste family in western India and trained in law at Inner Temple, London. n