By Ms Ambika Dias for BISMumbai

On 2 October 2023, the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, the Indian Ambassador to Kuwait, His Excellency Adarsh Swaika, paid a visit to Indian English Academy School (IEAS), Salmiya, Kuwait to commemorate the 154th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and to unveil the bronze bust of Mahatma Gandhi.

The event commenced with a warm welcome to the Indian Ambassador and the distinguished guests. The dignitaries were greeted with traditional Aarti (an Indian traditional and sacred ritual of welcoming) and garlands.Subsequently, they were escorted to the venue of the event. The Official program started with Arabic prayer followed by the Kuwait National Anthem. Soon after, Fr Bosco D Mello, the Principal of IEAS, welcomed the Indian Ambassador and the dignitaries. Eventually, the Staff representative addressed the audience with the significance of the day. 

Subsequently, the event shifted to the cynosure of the ceremony, to unveil the bust of Mahatma Gandhi. The Ambassador was escorted to the bust to do the honor. The bust was meticulously crafted and donated by the Indian Embassy, and it was decorated with traditional Indian motifs, flowers, and rangoli. Soon after the bust was unveiled, the Ambassador delivered a captivating speech speaking of the enduring relevance of Mahatma Gandhi's principles, especially in the contemporary world marred by conflicts and divisions. Also stressed the importance of adapting Gandhian principles which in a long run will help generations to come.

Furthermore, the students of the IEAS, dressed in traditional Indian attire, presented cultural performances: classical dances, patriotic songs, poems. These performances added an exquisite flavor to the event by way of an educational dimension to the event. The results of the painting competition organized by the Embassy on the theme ‘Gandhiji and Swachata’ where 21 schools participated, both primary and middle school categories were announced. The event concluded with the Indian National anthem. 

The visit of the Indian Ambassador to IEAS on Gandhi Jayanti was a golden moment to be recorded in the chronicles of the institution as they celebrated the principles and ideals of Mahatma Gandhi. It served as a reminder to the Indian community in Kuwait of their rich heritage and the enduring importance of Gandhian values in today's world. The unveiling of the Gandhi bust was a symbol of unity and a commitment to uphold the principles of peace and non-violence in the spirit of the great leader. 

This event will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the students and the community, fostering a sense of pride in their cultural heritage.