The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh lighting the lamp to inaugurate the ‘Gandhi Jayanti and International Day of Non-Violence’ on the occasion on the 138th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, in New Delhi on October 02, 2007.

The birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation, was celebrated with reverence all over the country. Also known as 'Bapu' or 'Father of the nation',  he was born on the 2nd of October in 1869, in Porbunder, Gujrat. He is the man who played a significant role in achieving independence for India from the British Empire with his simplicity and strong will power. International community has also declared this day as the International Day of Non –Violence. Prime Minister of India, Dr Manmohn  Singh addressed the nation. Here are the excerpts:

“We in India have observed this day for decades as a day of prayer and thanksgiving. Every Indian has, year after year, thanked the Almighty on this day for bringing into this world such a noble soul as Mahatma Gandhi. But, today the heart of every Indian, of every citizen of the world who has been touched by the message of Mahatma Gandhi, is filled with joy and gratitude.

We are grateful to the world community for declaring this auspicious day as the International Day of Non-Violence. Mahatma Gandhi’s message was not just for India. Nor was it just for the times he lived in.Mahatma Gandhi’s message of love and peace, of non-violence

and satyagraha, of the equality of all peoples, of harmony between all religions, is a universal message.It is a message for all times, for all societies and for all peoples.We in India are proud and grateful that the international community has declared this day as the International Day of Non-Violence.

This unanimous decision of the United Nation General Assembly originates in a declaration of the International Conference on Peace, Non-violence and Empowerment: The Gandhian Philosophy in the 21st Century, a conference which was convened by Smt. Sonia Gandhi and that met some months ago inNew Delhi.

This conference, commemorating the centenary of the Satyagraha Movement launched by Gandhiji, underscored the universal relevance of Mahatma Gandhi’s message of non-violence and the fight for truth. The decision was truly historic and universally welcomed. We are truly grateful to all those who supported this magnificent idea at the United Nation.

The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh addressing at commemoration of ‘International Day of Non-Violence

Gandhiji’s message is more important today than ever before since nations across the world continue to grapple with the threat of conflict, violence and terrorism. For as long as there is temptation to resort to violence in the human mind, the Mahatma’s message of non-violence will tug at our hearts.

The ideas that Mahatma Gandhi are remembered for are based on universal ideals. You will agree with me that many ‘Isms’ have battled for our minds over this past century, but few have succeeded in touching our hearts. Many political ideologies, and movements based on them, have come and gone.

Some with doubtful legacies and others with terrible consequences. Gandhiji’s philosophy has stood the test of time, and I believe will continue to do so, as long as humankind seeks peace and equality of all people.

The universal relevance of Mahatma Gandhi’s message of non-violence has been under-scored time and again by the life and teaching of great men of peace in our lifetime such as Martin Luther King Jr and Dr. Nelson Mandela. Wherever and whenever injustice is redressed and freedom won through peaceful means, Gandhiji will always be remembered.

What then is the message of the Mahatma? The key words we associate with him are tolerance, truth, transparency, non-violence and self-respect. There is a permanence in these principles and values that transcends and unites humankind.

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INSAT-4CR perigee has been raised to 15,994 km. The apogee is at 35,385 km and the inclination of the orbit with respect to the equatorial plane has been reduced from 11.1 deg to 3.24 deg now. The present orbital period is 15 hours 52 minutes. The orbital parameters achieved are as planned.