Speech by Hon'ble President of India, Shrimati Pratibha Devisingh Patil, at the Mahatma Gandhi Function in London

On behalf of the Government and the people of India, I thank Sir Ghulam Noon and Prof. Nathu Ram Puri for their generous gesture in making memorablia relating to Mahatma Gandhi available to us.

Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Indian Nation, apart from a great leader, was a deeply humane person and a strong proponent of peace and non-violence. Mahatma Gandhi was not just an individual but a spirit, which not only influenced Indians but also many others around the world. Leaders such as Martin Luther King and Dr. Nelson Mandela were deeply influenced by his philosophy. Even the UN has accepted the importance of his philosophy and has therefore declared his birthday, October 2nd as the International Day of Non-Violence. His philosophy of Ahimsa and Satyagraha inspired millions across India during the freedom struggle and India's independence was won through the unique path shown by him. His vision of a participatory democracy, overall development especially of rural areas and building an equitable society, has been guiding the nation. He has a special place in our hearts and articles associated with him has a special meaning for every Indian.

We look at the efforts of Sir Ghulam Noon and Mr. Puri in procuring Gandhiji's papers and as well as other items gifting them to India, this time and on earlier occasions, as their tribute to Gandhiji and a symbol of their love and affection for India.

We, in India, are proud of Sir Ghulam Noon and Prof. Puri, who have, through their hard work and diligence achieved commendable success in whatever they have pursued. The piece of cloth that I have just received bears the signature of Saroji Naidu and Pyerelal and some other important persons of those times. Mahatma Gandhi is not just a person to which only Indians can claim ownership, but is a part of humanity as whole. He was indeed a boon for India. The Indian diaspora is a significant asset for India's relationship with the countries where Indians have chosen to make their homes. In UK, the diaspora has carved a niche for itself and is widely respected for its achievements.

I would, once again, like to thank Sir Ghulam Noon and Prof. Nathu Ram Puri for the very commendable gesture they have made. I am sure that Gandhiji's thoughts and ideals have touched their lives as, indeed, it has of many others across the world. Gandhiji's ideology can be a very powerful instrument for building a peaceful and a tolerant world. Let us prove ourselves worthy of his legacy by our actions.