In the evening of 1st October, 2019, an event was organized by Embassy of India, Beirut, to mark the concluding ceremony of 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi & International Day of Non-Violence. The event was organized at the American University of Beirut in cooperation with Office of United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon and the Lebanese Artists Association – Painters and Sculptors and Association for Development of Lebanese Indian Relations.
The guests of honour included Mr. Rafic Chlala, Presidential Media Advisor, representing President of Republic of Lebanon; HE Mr. Fouad Makhzoumi, Member of Parliament; HE Mr. Ali Osseiran, Member of Parliament and President of Lebanese Indian Parliamentary Friendship Committee; Mr. Youssef Jaber, Counsellor representing Minister of Foreign Affairs; Mr. Naji Andraos, Director General in Ministry of Telecommunications representing Minister of Telecommunications; Mr. Philippe Lazzarini, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Dr. Rabih Mohtar, Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, representing the President of American University of Beirut, Ambassadors, prominent dignitaries, and prominent members of Indian Community.
The programme started with the opening exhibition of paintings of Mahatma Gandhi in which 9 Lebanese Painters from Lebanese Artists Association-Painters and Sculptors (LAAPS) participated. After that, a commemorative stamp on Mahatma Gandhi was released. The Embassy of India thanked the Government of Republic of Lebanon and Liban Post for issue of commemorative stamp on Mahatma Gandhi.
A documentary on Mahatma Gandhi was screened followed by screening of video recording of a devotional song, “Vaishnav Jan To”, favourite of Mahatma Gandhi sung by Ms. Abeer Nehme, a Lebanese singer.
The gathering was addressed by Ambassador of India to Lebanon, Mr. Philippe Lazzarini, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Dr. Rabih Mohtar, Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, Mr. Naji Andraos, Director General in Ministry of Telecommunications and HE Mr. Fouad Makhzoumi, Member of Parliament.
The formal programme was followed by a reception.