An exhibition of vintage pictures was inaugurated today to commemorate the centenary of Mahatma Gandhi's last Satyagraha in South Africa and the birth anniversary of anti-apartheid crusader Nelson Mandela, who died last year, at the Gandhi National Museum here.
It was on this very day in 1913 that Gandhi had left the shores of South Africa for England from where he eventually returned to India.
The exhibition displaying old photographs, newspaper clippings and quotations related to both the leaders was inaugurated by Deputy High Commissioner of South Africa, Malose W Mogale.
"Today is an auspicious day for two reasons. We are celebrating the inauguration of an exhibition which marks the centenary of Mahatma Gandhi's Satyagraha and the celebration of the Nelson Mandela day," Mogale said.
Mogale, as a mark of respect to the South African leader, also wore a t-shirt bearing the message 'National Mandela International Day'.
He said Gandhi's philosophies contributed in bringing peaceful transition in South Africa and has influenced the character and form of the currently ruling African National Congress party there.
Stressing the need for non-violence in current times, Mogale spoke against the ongoing attacks on Palestinian areas and condemned the action by the Israeli government.
Quoting Mandela's views on the issue, he said, "The South African revolution will not have achieved its goals as long as the Palestinians are not free".
Several members of Gandhi Memorial Museum concurred on the need for peace, non-violence and a Gandhian way of life to deal with various conflicts.
"Today's event is not merely a remembrance, it is an occasion for re-commitment which defined Gandhi's years in South Africa," said T N Madan, Professor at Institute of Economic Growth and member of the National Gandhi Museum.
Rare pictures of Gandhi's last Satyagraha in South Africa which took place during 1913-14 are on display along with photographs of African leaders and English supporters of the Satyagraha.
Pictures commemorating the South African peace icon on his 96th birth anniversary covered Mandela's life as well as his relationship with India.
