The Prime Minister today released a set of four commemorative postage stamps on the occasion of International Day of Non-Violence. Today, October 2nd the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi is celebrated as International Day of Non-Violence by the United Nations from this year. Speaking on the occasion the Prime Minister said that Gandhiji’s message was not just for India. Nor was it just for the times he lived in. Mahatma Gandhi’s message of love and peace, of non-violence and satyagraha, of the equality of all people, of harmony between all religions, is a universal message. It is a message for all times, for all societies, for all peoples. Gandhiji’s message is more important today than ever before since nations across the world continue to grapple with the threat of conflict, violence and terrorism. For as long as there is temptation to resort to violence in the human mind, the Mahatma’s message of non-violence will tug at our hearts.

Dr. Shakeel Ahmad, Minister of State for Communications and IT, said that the Department of Posts is privileged to release a set of commemorative postage stamps to mark the Centenary of Satyagraha. This set of four stamps entitled Satyagraha: the Stirrings is dedicated to the spirit of Satyagraha and is an endeavour to reflect on how a colossal revolution took place based on the philosophy of non-violent resistance. It is an attempt to turn the search light on oneself to find an alternative to violence within, which threatens to destroy the very fabric of civilized existence.