The 144th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi was marked in Australia on Wednesday with prayer ceremonies, panel discussions and book fairs.
A prayer ceremony was held in the capital, Canberra, by Indian High Commission to mark the special occasion. Remembering the 'Father of Indian Nation', University of New South Wales has held a ceremony in front of Gandhi's bust at the university library, followed by a discussion on 'What Gandhi means to young Indians and Australians today'.
A Sydney based non-profit organisation, 'Gandhi Peace Centre', has launched book fairs at over 35 libraries in New South Wales in a bid to raise awareness among locals about Gandhi's works and teachings.
Director of the organisation, Ronnie D'Souza, said Gandhi's philosophy of non-violence is very popular in Australia.
"Our approach is to reach out to people and make Gandhi be known to them," he said. "In 2009 Gandhi Peace Centre begun National Library Peace Project with Parramatta Council, supported by Mayor of Parramatta John Chedid, Councillor Prabir Maitra and Chief Librarian Christina Best who were instrumental in taking up this project," he added.
"This year we have extended this innovative project with the Libraries in 35 Suburbs in New South Wales will be celebrating 'Gandhi Jayanti'," D'Souza said. The organisation has donated ten books on Mahatma Gandhi to each of the 35 libraries.
"These books will be exhibited for a week in the libraries, along with a banner celebrating UN declared Peace and Non-Violence day," D'Souza said.
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