TORONTO: Mahatma Gandhi’s teachings, particularly non-violence, could still change the destinies of people and nations, Jean Charest, Premier of Canadian province of Quebec, has said.
“The doctrine of conflict resolution theory, new environ-mentalism, peace research, deep ecology, and Buddhist economics based on Gandhian principles, renews the world’s belief in Mahatma and his teachings for our life and our Time,” he said.
Unveiling a bust of Mahatma at a spectacular location opposite to the Quebec’s Parliament complex at a symbolic event, Charest said the Western and Indian influences that had gone into making Gandhi the Mahatma, and the central importance of Gandhi to non-violent activism, could still change the destinies of people and nations.
Shyamala B Cowsik, the High Commissioner of India to Canada said: “As India celebrates the centenary of Mahatma Gandhi's Satyagraha movement, it is more than ever that the world realises the failure of violence to achieve anything, anywhere. A world torn apart looks back at Gandhi and his firmness in a force, which is born of truth and love or non-violence.”
The bust of Mahatma, sculpted by famous sculptor Gautam Pal, sits atop a 5-foot pedestal and is a gift from the Government of India to the province of Quebec.
Besides Premier Charest, the event on Thursday was attended by his two Cabinet Ministers, the mayor, the Chairman of the Capital Region and other local dignitaries and a large number of members of the Indo-Canadian community of Quebec.
Premier Charest said it was desire of the State government that when Prime Minister of India Manmohan Singh visits Canadain 2007, he should visit Montreal and, if possible, Quebec City as well.
