External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Thursday visited the historic Pietermaritzburg railway station, where more than a century ago Father of Nation Mahatma Gandhi suffered humiliation after being thrown out of the first class compartment in spite of having the ticket.
Swaraj was accompanied by South African officials as she offered flowers at the memorial stone, dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, on the occasion of his 125th anniversary of Satyagraha.
She then inaugurated a two-sided bust of Mahatma Gandhi and a charkha, installed alongside.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi in July 2016, during his visit to South Africa, inaugurated a museum dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi at the railway station.
He, at that time, expressed his desire to get the museum converted into a digital exhibition.
Two years later, the museum was indeed converted into a digital one, showcasing historic moments of Mahatma Gandhi and his memorable addresses.
One portion of the museum was termed as the 'birthplace of Satyagraha (fight for truth)'-- a message that became the flag-bearer of the fight for India's freedom.
Further, the movie on Mahatma Gandhi, directed by Richard Attenborough, was screened.
High Commissioner from India to South Africa Ruchira Kamboj highlighted the achievements undertaken by Indian women in the recent years.
"India is not only the fastest growing economy in the world, we have eradicated critical epidemics, increased life expectancy, launched powerful rockets and satellites into space," Kambol said.
She further said that women in India have held important posts, including Presidents, Prime Ministers, and the Foreign Ministers.
Swaraj then spoke about Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela as crusader of freedom and anti-apartheid movement respectively.
As a part of the event, a special message by Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be telecasted, in which he will highlight the bilateral ties between South Africa and India, foundation of which was laid years back by Mahatma Gandhi.
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