Senior leaders and intellectuals from India and Nepal held a meeting in Kathmandu on Thursday to share thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi and his relevance to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Gandhi.

In his address, the first President of Nepal Ram Baran Yadav spoke on the numerous problems Nepal and the world face. He said it is necessary to follow the path of Gandhi to deal with the new challenges.

Naya Shakti Party Co-ordinator and former Prime Minister Baburam Bhattari stressed the need to develop a scientific base for Gandhian philosophy. Nepali Congress Vice-President Bimalendra Nidhi underscored the need for raising awareness among the youth and leaders of our societies on the principles and values of Gandhi.

Nepal Communist Party senior leader Ram Karki said Gandhi’s lifestyle was a message to all and there is need for the modern world to understand this aspect.

Former Finance and External Affairs Minister of India Yashwant Sinha underlined the importance of Gandhian thoughts to tackle the issues of climate change.

Hindi cinema actor and Indian Lower House Member of Parliament from Patna Sahib, Bihar, Shatrughan Sinha appreciated the presence of a large number of youth in the audience who remained intensely engaged during the discussion. He said this was a positive sign for Nepal. He encouraged the younger audience to pursue the core principles of Gandhi to achieve success in life.

The event was organised by the Centre for Research and Sustainable Development Nepal, Gandhian Studies and Peace Center, Nepal Policy Center and CREASIONS.