Indian High Commissioner commemorates Mahatma Gandhi's birthday at source of Nile in Jinja

The 154th birthday of Mahatma Gandhi and the International Day of Non-Violence were celebrated in grandeur at the Source of the Nile in Jinja, Uganda, with India's High Commissioner, Upender Singh Rawat, leading the event as the Chief Guest.

Members of the Indian Association from the East and North sectors, along with locals in Jinja, gathered to pay tribute to the iconic leader.

The day began with a heartfelt garlanding of the Mahatma Gandhi statue, followed by a collective effort to plant fruit trees around the statue, emphasizing their commitment to environmental conservation.

Among the dignitaries who participated in the event were Piyush Kotecha, Chairperson of the Indian Association in Jinja; the Chief Manager of Bank of Baroda Jinja branch; Margan Bhai Patel, Managing Director of Nile Agro Industries; S.K Iyengar, Company Secretary of Kakira Sugar Limited; and Ashish Monpara, Managing Director of Modern Tiles.

This yearly commemoration holds special significance as it brings the Indian community together at the Source of the Nile, where Mahatma Gandhi's ashes were immersed, and his statue was erected. High Commissioner Upender Singh Rawat took a moment to pray for a more peaceful world and expressed his wish for the strengthening of India-Uganda relations, for the mutual benefit of both nations.

Rawat extended his gratitude to the Indian Association Jinja and Bank of Baroda Jinja branch for organizing the ceremony and for their dedication in maintaining Gandhi's statue. Later in the day, he visited the Siri Gurdwara Ramgarhia Temple on Lubas Road in Jinja, participating in prayers alongside fellow devotees.

In a heartwarming gesture, Rawat, accompanied by his wife and Piyush Kotecha, Miss Tourism Busoga Queen Mercy Tenywa, and other Indian community members, visited the Child Restoration Outreach Jinja branch offices. There, they interacted with 200 orphans and street children and volunteered to serve them lunch. Rawat offered valuable advice to the children, emphasizing the importance of education as a path to prosperity.

Piyush Kotecha highlighted the Indian Association Jinja's long-standing commitment to humanitarian services in Jinja, including support for Balitwegomba Spire Rd Primary School of the Blind, where they provide meals and essential supplies to visually impaired pupils.

Noah Namwano, the Programs Manager of Child Restoration Outreach Jinja branch, expressed gratitude to India's High Commissioner for the visit and the Indian Association for their generous contributions to street children and orphans.

Mahatma Gandhi's birthday, celebrated annually on October 2nd, holds a special place in history. It is also recognized as the International Day of Non-Violence by the United Nations. Gandhi's legacy of non-violence played a pivotal role in India gaining its independence in 1947. His ashes, a symbol of peace and resilience, now rest at the Source of the Nile River, a testament to his enduring impact on the world.