Celebration of International Day of Non-Violence 

As part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, the Embassy of India, Beirut and the Indian Battalion at UNIFIL observed International Day of Non-Violence on October 2,  2022 at Mahatma Gandhi Park in Ebl Al Saki in South Lebanon. The park – named after proponent of non-violence Mahatma Gandhiji – was initially built by Indian Battalion and Indian Embassy in 1999. The park was renovated in 2019-20 and handed over to the Ebl Al Saki Municipality in June 2020.  

The celebrations were included releasing of Balloons & Doves to spread the message of Non-Violence & Peace. Earlier in the Day, Indian Battalion organised a Peace Hike, which was joined by local Lebanese from the nearby villages and soldiers of Indian Battalion. 

The event was attended by Member of Parliament H.E. Elias Jaradeh, Brig Gen Ignacio Olazabal Elorz, CO Sector East at UNIFIL, Col. PN Sujay Kumar, Sena Medal, CONTICO INDBATT, Mayors of Ebel El Saqi/Chebba/Kafar Chouba, representatives of Lebanese Armed Forces and local school children. Other Battalions also participated and took part in the activities of the celebrations. 

To mark this day, the students of local schools displayed their sketches reflecting their ideas of peace, Non-Violence and Co-existence.

During his visit to South Lebanon for celebration of International Day of Non-Violence, Ambassador  Dr. Suhel Khan also met volunteers at the Red-Cross Centre in Chebba Village. This Centre is built with Indian assistance as a Quick Impact Project and was inaugurated last year.