United Arab Emirates (UAE) Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan unveiled a bust of Mahatma Gandhi at the Consulate General of India in Dubai on January 31.
Sheikh Nahyan hailed the ethos and principles of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, popularly known as the Father of the Nation of India, Mahatma Gandhi, while unveiling the bust. Indian Ambassador to the UAE Sunjay Sudhir and Consul General of India in Dubai Dr Aman Puri joined the UAE minister in offering floral tribute at the bust of Mahatma Gandhi.
Sheikh Nahyan said the occasion recognised Mahatma Gandhi’s call to rely on non-violence and to be agents of peaceful change. He also took the opportunity to recollect the similarities between the principles of peaceful coexistence, tolerance and diversity held high by Mahatma Gandhi and founding father of the UAE, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
“When our late founder, Sheikh Zayed founded the UAE in 1971 and began leading us into a global society, he made our country into a nation where all people can exercise their talents, pursue their ambitions and fulfill their potential in a peaceful and just environment. In fact, Gandhi’s thoughts about leading diverse populations remind me of Sheikh Zayed’s conviction about the establishment of a culture of tolerance, compassion and dialogue in the UAE.”
