Indian envoy to UK pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi

London [UK], Jan 30 (ANI): India's High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Y.K. Sinha paid his respects before a statue of Father of Nation, Mahatma Gandhi at Tavistock Square here on Tuesday.

After paying tribute and placing a floral wreath at the base of Gandhi's statue, Sinha said, "Today, we have all gathered here to observe the 70th death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, our Father of the Indian nation. Every year, we come and pay tribute to Bapu - on January 30 and October 2."

Sinha added that Gandhi was not only revered by the Indian diaspora or the people of India, but was revered across the world. He also stressed that Gandhi's message on humanity, peace and non-violence still holds value today.

"Everybody revers Bapu, not just as a person, but more importantly, a messenger for peace, humanity and non-violence, something he had instilled in the Indian freedom movement."

The Indian envoy also termed Gandhi as a great leader and said that his message had united the oppressed people during colonial times.

"His message actually helped to unite oppressed people, under the yoke of colonialism. We did have great leaders, such as Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela, who fought for the people's rights," he added.

Sinha went on to describe Gandhi as the greatest ever human being that ever lived.

Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated by Nathuram Godse on this day in 1948. The day is also observed as Martyrs Day by the nation. (ANI)