By IANS
New Delhi : Welcoming the UN resolution declaring Mahatma Gandhi's birthday on Oct 2 as the International Day of Non-Violence, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Saturday described it as "a proud moment for India" and "a tribute by the world community to the Father of our Nation".
"I am extremely happy that the United Nations will henceforth observe Gandhi Jayanti, October 2 as International Day of Non-Violence each year, following a unanimous decision by the General Assembly of United Nations yesterday," Manmohan Singh said.
"This is a tribute by the world community to the Father of our Nation," the prime minister said.
"The universal relevance of Gandhiji's message of non-violence is more important today than ever before since nations across the world continue to grapple with the threat of conflict, violence and terrorism," he stressed.
"He described it as 'a great tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and a proud moment for India'," a statement from the prime minister's office said.
Manmohan Singh also exhorted the people of India "to re-dedicate ourselves to the ideals and values of Mahatma Gandhi, which shall continue to be our guiding light."
The UNGA in New York Friday unanimously adopted a resolution piloted by India with the co-sponsorship of 142 countries to annually observe and celebrate Mahatma Gandhi's birthday as the 'International Day of Non-Violence'.
The resolution calls upon all member states, the UN system, regional and non-governmental organisations to commemorate Oct 2 in "an appropriate manner and disseminate the message of non-violence, including through education and public awareness".
The unanimous adoption of the resolution in the UNGA is being seen as a triumph of India's diplomacy as New Delhi launched a spirited campaign to mobilise support of member states after the Satyagraha Conference, titled 'Peace, Non-Violence and Empowerment', early this year.