Mahatma Gandhi is known for his immense contributions towards the freedom flight in India in a peaceful and non-violent way. In his honour the UN General Assembly has dedicated his birthday 2^nd Oct as an International Day of Non-Violence.

GIIS and GOPIO has been celebrating this day with much enthusiasm, spreading the message of non-violence and peace amongst students, parents and teachers for over many years now.

The beautiful evening at GIIS Queenstown campus, started with special guests garlanding the Gandhi statue, followed by lighting of the ceremonial lamp at the auditorium. The students enthralled the audience with the melodious Sarva Dharma prayer sung by GIIS choir.

The guest of honour for this event was Mr. Ninad S. Deshpande, Deputy High Commissioner of India to Singapore. Mr. Deshpande spoke about the importance of Gandhi’s principles and philosophy of non-violence. The speech by keynote speaker, Dr V P Nair, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist at Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre connected the audience to Mahatma Gandhi’s struggle for an independent India.

There was also a short address by Mr Lee Kwang Boon, Vice-President, United Nations Association of Singapore and Mr Ameerali Jumabhoy, Chairman of the Mahatma Gandhi Committee at Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO). They spoke on the topic of non-violence, spreading peace and harmony and also, highlighted how can small steps towards non-violence make the world more peaceful.

GIIS was very honoured to be part of United Nations International Day of Non-Violence that also marks the 148^th birth anniversary Mahatma Gandhi.