Gandhian philosophy still relevant for global peace

Speakers at a discussion in the city said Saturday Gandhian nonviolence philosophy is still relevant to bring peace in the violence-ridden world.
They said Mahatma Gandhi’s thoughts can help resolve various crises in the trouble-torn areas of the world as his philosophy still has the effectiveness, according to a news agency.
Gandhi Ashram Trust arranged the discussion on ‘Relevance of Gandhian Philosophy in the Contemporary World’ at Brac Centre Inn in the capital, marking the 145th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and International Day of Nonviolence.
Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader, Prof Syed Monjurul Islam, Prof Anisuzzaman, Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pankaj Saran, US Ambassador in Dhaka Dan W Mozena, among others, spoke at the function.
Addressing the discussion as the chief guest, Obaidul Quader said Mahatma Gandhi is a lighthouse to tens of thousands of people across the globe.
He said Gandhian philosophy can also help resolve various border-related problems between India and other neighbouring countries. “If the principles of Mahatma Gandhi are followed, all sorts of problems, including border-related ones, between India and other South Asian countries can be resolved,” he added.
Pankaj Saran said the Indian new government has essentially taken two ideas -- clean India and clean Ganga campaigns -- from Mahatma Gandhi.
“In the context of India and Bangladesh, Gandhi’s teaching and philosophy, Gandhi’s association with Rabindranath Tagore, another great man, will help us maintain the relationship between two countries and two peoples,” the Indian High Commissioner said.
Dan Mozena said the America today is a different America because of Gandhi’s philosophy.
Terming Gandhi a ‘simple man but a big ideal’, the US envoy said Gandhian philosophy has brought about massive changes in South Africa, too.