Gandhi firmly believed in everyone’s intrinsic qualities: Singapore PM

New York: Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi, honouring the late freedom fighter’s legacy of non-violent resistance and philosophy of individual equality at an event marking the 150th anniversary of the Indian Father of the Nation.
Addressing the event, which was attended by leaders from countries across the world at the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), Loong said, “The Mahatma firmly believed in the intrinsic quality of every person and this value resonates with Singapore because our nation was founded on the same principles. We became independent in 1965 because we wanted to be a country where everyone was treated equally regardless of their race, language or religion and we continue to uphold that fundamental ideal.” “We try to expand the common space shared by the different races and religious groups in Singapore. We also strive to make our modest contributions to global efforts on mutual understanding and respect,” he added, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi seated in the audience.
The Prime Minister said that this year, Singapore had hosted an international conference on cohesive societies and had good exchanges with scholars and petitioners from other countries.
He also noted that after Gandhi passed away and was cremated Singapore had the honour of receiving a part of his ashes. The ashes were immersed at sea in accordance with Hindu customs two miles from the southern tip of Singapore.
Last year, Prime Minister Modi visited Singapore and unveiled a plaque to mark the spot.