India’s President Ram Nath Kovind unveiled the bust of Mahatma Gandhi, marking the 150th birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation. Mr Kovind took part in the event at the Centre for Peace Education in Miriam College in Manila, the Philippines.
Indian President continues to travel during his five-day visit to the Southeast Asian nation. On Sunday, he visited the Philippines where Mr Kovind unveiled the bust of one of the most respected Indian persons.
During the unveiling ceremony, the Indian leader expressed the hoped that future generations would be inspired by Gandhi’s legacy of compassion, truth and ethics.
“Today, I feel honoured to unveil his bust in the Philippines – the land of the brave Jose Rizal. I thank Miriam College for giving a place of respect to Mahatma Gandhi in its campus,” Kovind said on the occasion.
The bust of Mahatma Gandhi is a gift from the people of India to Filipinos. However, Mr Kovdi stressed that Mahatma belongs to all people, all cultures and all societies.
“May he continue to guide us in our shared journey of peace, harmony and sustainable development for all,” Indian president said and added that both – Indian and Philippines – leaders believed in the power of peace and non-violence.
Terming the relationship between the two countries as special, he reminded that friendship that India and the Philippines celebrate and cherish always.
Kovind said that he was touched to hear the rendition of Mahatma Gandhi’s favourite hymn – Vaishnava-Jana-To – by famous Filipino singer Grace NoNo. The hymn describes a good human-being as one who reaches out to those in pain and suffering.
