Muscat: The International Day of Non-Violence and the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the pioneer of the philosophy and strategy of non-violence was celebrated in Oman on 2 October at the College of Banking and Financial Studies, Bausher.  According to General Assembly resolution A/RES/61/271 of 15 June 2007, which established the commemoration, the International Day is an occasion to “disseminate the message of non-violence, including through education and public awareness”. The resolution reaffirms “the universal relevance of the principle of non-violence” and the desire “to secure a culture of peace, tolerance, understanding and non-violence”.

The event was organized by the Embassy of India Muscat, in collaboration with Raja Yoga Centre for Self  Development.Several dignitaries, ambassadors and diplomats of various embassies, Government officials, school children, omani nationals and exptriates attended the ent.  The evening began with a soul-stirring performance by Omani singer Jihad Al Raisi, followed by the National Anthems of Oman and India that filled every heart with pride and unity.   

The event was graced by esteemed dignitaries including Sister Jayanti, H.E. G.V. Srinivas, Her Highness Sayyida Susan Al Said, H.E. G.V. Srinivas, Ambassador of India, Sister Jayanti, the key note speaker, Ambassadors and diplomates of embassies of Austria, Brunei, Netherlands, Syria, Singapore, Somalia,Sudan, Palestine, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Iran, and Romania, UAE and Qatar. Also present were WHO Representative to Oman Dr. Jean Jabbour, Dr. Abdullah Al Hatmi (MOH), Mr. Kiran Asher, Mr. B.S. Mehta, Shaikh Saif Al Amri, Mr. Faisal Al Balushi (Muscat Municipality),Mr. Babu Rajendran, Chairman of Indian Social Club, various Principals of Indian schools, CEOs of corporate companies and community leaders.

HE the Indian Ambassador addressed the audience and highlighted the important principles taught by Gandhiji.   Dr. Jean Jabbour, WHO Representative to Oman read out the message of UN Secretary General.

The children Indian School Mabela presented a dance drama focusing on Gandhiji’s principles, reminding us how his message of peace and truth continues to guide us even today.  At the grand finale, our talented art students created a live portrait of Gandhiji – a sparkling tribute that symbolizes light, reverence and the everlasting radiance of his ideals.   Another group of children also presented a well composed music as a tribute to the spirit of humanity and the collective strength of a nation.  The song culminates in a prayer of peace and gratitude, not only to the nation, but also to the wider world.

Sister Jayanti, the Key Note Speaker from UK, spoke on the theme “Healing the World in Crisis with Love and Compassion”.   Sister Jayanti’s deeply touching message on love and compassion was well heard by the audience in pin drop silence.   Sister Jayanti is a highly sought after international public speaker, author and visionary leader guided by values and principles.  She is also a representative to the United Nations, Geneva.   The event celebrated in the soil of Sultanate of Oman very well befits the ideology and principles of  Peace, Harmony, Unity and love,  the key principles followed by the Sultanate of Oman under the wise leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haytham bin Tarek Al Said.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks by B.K. Gayatri, the Director of Rajayoga Centre for Self Development, Oman.