International Day of Non-Violence celebrated in Muscat

Muscat: Indian expatriates in Oman remembered Indian leader Mahatma Gandhi, a preacher of non-violence and an inspiration across the world, while marking the International Day of Non-Violence in the capital.
The occasion was commemorated by the Embassy of India in association with the Rajyoga Centre for Self Development, at the Hotel Holiday Muscat on October 2, the birthday anniversary of Gandhi, considered an apostle of peace and non-violence.
A webcast of the inauguration of the new Pravasi Bhartiya Kendra (NRI Centre) in New Delhi by India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi was screened during the event, where over 300 people, including many Omani dignitaries, ambassadors and representatives of different embassies in Muscat, witnessed the celebration of Gandhi Jayanti and the International Day of Non-Violence. Col. Abdul Wahab Al Balushi was the chief guest at the event.
Gloria Gangte, chargé d’affaires of the Embassy of India, addressed the audience and highlighted the views of Gandhi on Ahimsa (non-violence), Satyagraha, tolerance, and universal brotherhood.
Underlining the significance of Gandhi’s message, she highlighted how Oman has followed the philosophy of non-violence and peaceful co-existence under the exemplary and benign leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, who has made Oman an oasis of peace in the midst of a region mired by unrest and conflicts.
“His Majesty’s government, through its policy of moderation and mediation, has played a major role in even bringing together forces that are inimical to each other.”
The Omani Youth Forum presented a special thought provoking performance entitled, “Hope of Oman” sending out the message about the need to follow the path of non-violence, peaceful co-existence and harmony.
The keynote speaker at the event, B.K. Jayanti, director of Brahma Kumaris Inner Space, London, spoke on the theme “Peaceful Mind, Loving Heart.”
She underlined that the natural state of man is to be peaceful and peace is within each person. “For a peaceful world, we should look inwards and upwards to the source of peace and then give peace outwards to others. Only when a person is peaceful and loves himself or herself, he/she can give love.”