The Consulate General of India, Hambantota celebrated 147th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi ‘Gandhi Jayanti’ on 02 October 2016. The program commenced at 11.00 am by paying of floral tributes to the photo of Mahatma Gandhi by the Consul General and other senior officials of the Post. Local community, Sri Lankan friends of India, students of Kathak & Hindi classes and members of the Post along with their families paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at the Library Hall in Consulate General of India, Hambantota. The Consul General in his speech emphasized on the principles of Mahatma Gandhi such as tolerance, truth, non-violence, self-reliance and respect of all communities and his contributions in Indian freedom struggle. He described Gandhi as great visionary and world leader. Students from Tsuchi School, Hambantota gave speeches in Hindi about life of Mahatma Gandhi. Cultural performance by students learning Kathak dance and Hindi language and screening of a movie ‘The Making of Mahatma’ by Shayam Benegal were also organised to mark the event. The inauguration of the Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra by Prime Minister Narendra Modi was webcast live at 1130-1230 hours. The event lasted for 3 hrs.
