International Day of Peace and Non-Violence was solemnly celebrated in the National Academic Library of the Republic of Kazakhstan on October 2, 2009. The event was jointly organized with the Embassy of India in Kazakhstan.
The Ambassador of India in Kazakhstan Mr. Ashok Sadzhankhar, Deputy Director General of the National Academic Library Mrs. Aliya Sarsembinova, and Director of International Centre of Culture and Religions Mr. Aidar Abuov made a complimentary address to 150 guests, among the guests there were state employees, researchers, representatives of cultural institutions, lecturers of universities, students, artists, and citizens of India in Astana.
The Ambassador Mr. Sadzhankhar noted in his solemn speech that this year the International Day of Peace and Non-Violence celebrates 140 years of Mahatma Gandhi's birthday. Mahatma Gandhi, apostle of peace and non-violence, was born on 2 October 1869. In India, that day is celebrated as national holiday “Gandhi Dzhayanti”. The United Nations Organization took a decision to celebrate 2 October, Mahatma Gandhi's birthday, as “International Day of Peace and Non-Violence”. Mr. Ambassador added that special events in honor of Mahatma Gandhi were conducted all over the world.
Mr. Ashok Sadzhankhar noted in his speech: “Strength and power of Mahatma Gandhi are not in physical force. He didn't command by army. He didn't hold any official position in the country. He was able to unite the whole nation, whole people into comprehensive whole only by means of his doctrines, words, ideas, his way of life. It was long before Internet and mobile communication appearance. All this became possible owing to the fact that he lived the life he propagated. As he told once, “My life is my message”.
The Ambassador seized an opportunity to make a present of books, films, and music collection to the National Academic Library of the Republic of Kazakhstan. He thanked the National Academic Library of the Republic of Kazakhstan for placing India Study Centre by name of Mahatma Gandhi in the library.
Solemn celebration of the International Day of Peace and Non-Violence included cultural programme. Mahatma Gandhi's favourite anthem was performed by Mrs. Gaukhar Mukhtar, citizen of Kazakhstan, who studied Hindi language in India. Mrs. Nurgul Amerbekova who mastered skill of Indian classical dance, fascinated guests with two delightful dances of classical style Odissi. Students of India Study Centre by name of Mahatma Gandhi also gladdened guests by reciting poems in Hindi language.
