The government has through the Postal Corporation of Kenya released a commemorative Postal Stamp on Mahatma Gandhi.
This was during the commemoration of the 14th United National International Day of Non-Violence and also the 151st birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, leader of the Indian independence movement and pioneer of the philosophy of non-violence.
Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Information, Communication, Technology Innovation and Youth, Joe Mucheru said The Post Office remains the most accessible, effective and time-tested communications platform in Kenya, with a vast network and varied product portfolio that greatly benefits the general public countrywide.
In a speech read on his behalf by State department for innovation and youth affairs Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) Nadia Ahmed, the CS said over the years posta has continued to communicate important national historical facts about the country, through its commemorative postage Stamps over the years.
He thanked the Indian High Commission for agreeing to partner with Postal Corporation of Kenya in honouring the Great World icon MAHATMA GANDHI who is the leader of the Indian Independence movement and pioneer of the philosophy on non-violence.
Mucheru requested the Government of India through the Indian High Commissioner to explore ways how India Postal Administration and Postal Corporation of Kenya can collaborate and partner in mutual areas.
“I note and appreciate the Indian Government has in the past extended grants and scholarships for Postal Corporation of Kenya employees since 1963. The noble programme should be reactivated for the benefit of all stakeholders going forward” the CS said.
The new Indian High Commissioner Dr. Virander Kumar Paul said besides the usual celebration on this occasion all over the world, the stamp by the government is something that does not happen every other time and is a recognition of the Kenyans government great work and legacy of mahatma Gandhi and how it influences the lives of people around the world.
“Gadhi is a global icon and his ideals are significant and relevant. This commemorative stamp can be regarded as a step forward in relationship between Kenya and India”, he said adding that it also signifies he importance of the relations that has been there between the two countries
The Commissioner noted that the teaching of non-violence that were practiced by Mahatma Gandhi in real life and the role of non-violence struggle in India’s independence movement is for everyone to see, historically.
“Ideals and the values of Mahatma are as relevant as they were before. non-violence remains an important tool in international conflict resolutions as far as possible and we should always keep in mind that war or armed conflict in any part of the world is not in the interest of humanity”, Dr. Virander said.
Renowned Prof. P.L.O Lumumba said that the relevance of Gandhi today and in this year is because the year 2020 is declared the year of the silencing of the guns in Africa but the guns are not silent in Africa.
The month of September which has just concluded, he added was the month of surrendering all illegal guns and the amnesty was declared but that has not happened.
“Today there is conflict in many parts of Africa, if there is no conflict in Mozambique, there is conflict in the Cameroon, in Libya, in Central African Republic, in Mauritania and in Sahel making Gandhi ever so relevant and giving meaning to his famous statement, “there is no way to peace, peace is the way”. Lumumba said.
University of Nairobi Vice Chancellor Prof. Stephen Kiama said that the statue of Gadhi which is placed next to the Gandhi wing at the university of Nairobi signifies the input and the values and the ethos that were brought about by the Great man Gandhi.
He said that coming together and launching the commemorative stamp is also a reflection of some of those values that people need to have.
“In our own country we see on TVs violence whether in pollical arena, churches and even families and as we think of Gadhi, it should be a reminder that all of us should desist any attempt of violence and remember this day in passing messages of hope and encouragement to others”, Prof. Kiama said
Other speakers who also spoke were Director General, UNON, H.E. Ms. Zainab Hawa Bangura who said that intolerance, injustice and hatred are all true evidence and all should therefore turn to the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi for renewed hope.
Former Chairman of Kenya Judges & Magistrates Vetting Board, Mr. Sharad Sadashiv Rao said Mahatma had a great sense of Humour
Today’s event was commemorated at the UON Complex and also at the Indian High Commissioner residence in Nairobi.
By Wangari Ndirangu
