Two-year-long programmes to propagate Gandhian message

During these two years there will be a number of activities - quizzes, lectures, exhibitions - based on Gandhi's ideals and principals.

The Consulate General of India, Dubai on Wednesday announced that it will be having a two-year-long celebration to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. The activities will last from October 2, 2018, until October 2, 2020, and the theme would be Bapu@150.
Consul-General of India Vipul, said: "Although Mahatma Gandhi's 150th birth anniversay will be on October 2, 2019, we will start the celebrations a year ahead and end it a year later."
During these two years there will be a number of activities - quizzes, lectures, exhibitions - based on Gandhi's ideals and principals.
"Activities during the Bapu@150 celebrations will propagate the message of Gandhi - truth, non-violence, love, harmony and happiness. We will conduct activities such as essay writing, quiz competitions and debates at schools. We will also host films based on Gandhi in the consulate, exhibitions on khadi etc over a course of two years," said Vipul.

Motivational talk

One of the first events to take place under the Bapu@150 celebrations will be a talk by motivational speaker Sister Shivani. The event, aimed at awakening participants on the foundations of harmony and happiness, will be held on October 5 at the Bright Riders School in Abu Dhabi and on October 6 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.   "Shivani applies a practical approach to dealing with everyday stress, making it easy for many to follow them.
"Harmony is the need of the hour and the event gels well with our Bapu@150 theme because Gandhi's principle of non-violence leads to harmony and happiness. We are hoping people of other nationalities, especially Emiratis, will come forward to listen to her. The subject is in tune with the policies of the UAE - happiness and tolerance. The event, happening in the Year of Zayed, makes it even more apt," he added.
"We are happy to host this event with Raja Yoga Centre, which had enthralled audience with amazing meditation techniques during the International Day of Yoga."
Sister Jyoti, manager at Raja Yoga Centre, said: "It is Sister Shivani's pragmatic approach that has garnered a huge fan following. Her lectures have helped many improve their relationships and transform their thinking into an optimistic one."
The free-of-cost event will have a 6,500 seating capacity and will start from 6.30pm to 9pm.
saman@khaleejtimes.com

• Dubai