On the celebration of Mahatma Gandhi’s 150th birth anniversary, renowned businessman and philanthropist Dr Yesu Persaud is urging politicians to follow in Gandhi’s footsteps and be kind and gracious as Guyana heads to the polls on March 2, 2020.
“Let us live in peace, harmony and togetherness and show the world that we can also follow the footsteps of Mahatma Gandhi and be a peaceful people.
“Have an election that is peaceful, no volume of violence be anywhere, I pray and hope that many of the politicians will listen to this simple request, be good, be kind, be gracious to all during this elections period,” Dr. Persaud said as he addressed former presidents Samuel Hinds and Donald Ramotar along with Government officials, members of religious groups and members of the Diplomatic Corps who attended the 150th Celebration of Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday on Wednesday in the Promenade Gardens.
Dr Persaud said that Gandhi was a man of peace, humility, humanity and noted that politicians should learn something from him.
“…elections [should] have been an easy process for a small population. That need not be, this shows us we are not grown up, we have a long way to go to grow and up and Gandhi could show us the way,” Dr Persaud said.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo said that politics, ideologies and philosophies must not be separated from Gandhi.
Guyana is currently in elections mode following the passage of the December 21, 2018 No Confidence Motion which resulted in the collapse of the coalition government.
President David Granger has since issued a proclamation announcing March 2, 2020, as the date for general and regional elections.
October 2 is commemorated as Gandhi’s birthday and is also designated as the international day of non-violence.
India High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr. K. J. Srinivasa said Gandhi belonged to India but his life and visions became an inspiration to the world.
“Mahatma Gandhi is an extremely important figure for all Indians and none can forget his contributions towards winning India’s Independence and for that, he is affectionately called ‘The Father of the Nation’ or ‘Babu’,” the High Commissioner said.
Mahatma Gandhi is known for being the leader of India’s non-violent independence movement against British rule and in South Africa for advocating for the civil rights of Indians.
