UNITED NATIONS (TIP): The birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and Non-Violence Day was observed, October 2, with a program that included, besides India‘s ratification of the Paris Agreement, performance by renowned classical music singer Sudha Raghunathan as well as the unveiling of a commemorative UN postage stamp of Indian music legend M.S. Subbulakshmi.

India deposited its Instrument of Ratification to the Paris Agreement under the convention on Climate Change today, coinciding with the International Day of Non Violence. The day also commemorates the Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi who epitomized a lifestyle with the smallest carbon footprint. With this India became the 62nd country to ratify the Agreement taking the cumulative emission of the countries that have ratified the Agreement so far to 51.89 percent.

This significant contribution towards the early entry into force of the Paris Agreement underlines Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to global cause of environmental protection and climate justice and reaffirms India’s responsive leadership in addressing the impact of climate change.

The speakers included UN Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson, General Assembly President Peter Thomson, and Professor Barry L. Gan, India’s Ambassador to the UN Syed Akbraruddin, Director of Center of Non-Violence, St. Bonaventure University, New York.

The event was followed by a Carnatic Music concert by Sudha Raghunathan. The MC of the event was Manjunath Chennerrappa Head of Chancery of the Permanent Mission of India to the UN.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon stressed the link between non-violence, peace and nature as he observed the International Day of Non Violence. “Every year on the International Day of Non-Violence, we re-commit ourselves to the cause of peace, as exemplified by the life of Mahatma Gandhi who was born on this day 147 years ago,” Ban said. The UN General Assembly, through a resolution in 2007, designated 2 October as the International Day of Non-Violence to coincide with the birthday of Gandhi, who led the country’s independence movement and pioneered the philosophy and strategy of non-violence.

“We know that a culture of non-violence begins with respect for others, but it does not end there. To nurture peace, we must respect nature. I am pleased this year’s International Day of Non-Violence puts the focus on sustainability and the environment,” Mr. Ban said.

“In all he did, Gandhi honored our obligation to all living things. He reminded us that ‘Earth provides enough to satisfy everyone’s needs, but not everyone’s greed.’ Gandhi also challenged us to ‘be the change we wish to see in the world,’” the Secretary-General noted. India’s commitment is reflected in a momentous way, the UN chief said, as its government is depositing its instrument of ratification for the Paris Agreement on climate change.

There is no better way to commemorate Gandhi and his legacy for people and planet, he said, urging all countries to complete their domestic processes for ratification and also strive in all activities to achieve progress through non-violence. The Day is annually observed worldwide with commemorative events.