Interfaith Rally in Srirangapatna Marks Gandhi’s Martyrdom Day and World Peace Day

Mysore, February 1, 2026: Representatives of diverse faith traditions gathered in Srirangapatna on January 30 to commemorate the martyrdom day of Mahatma Gandhi, observed worldwide as World Peace Day. The interfaith observance, held in the historic town known as a centre of Hindu spirituality, brought together Hindus, Christians, and Muslims in a public expression of unity, harmony, and commitment to peace.

The programme featured an interfaith peace rally of approximately one kilometre, beginning at the Municipal Office and concluding at the historic site where Mahatma Gandhi addressed the people in 1927. Participants carried photographs of Gandhiji, paying tribute to his life, ideals, and enduring message of non-violence.

At the conclusion of the rally, the gathering observed a three-minute silence in prayer in memory of the Father of the Nation. Religious leaders then addressed the assembly, reflecting on Gandhi’s philosophy of ahimsa (non-violence) as the only authentic path to peace and social transformation.

Addressing the gathering, Fr. John Sagaya Pushparaj, Secretary for Ecumenism of the Diocese of Mysore, noted that January 30 is also observed globally as World Peace Day. He stressed that peace begins within the individual and cannot be achieved through violence. Quoting the words of Jesus, “Those who take the sword will die by the sword,” he said Gandhi’s ahimsa marga continues to offer a relevant and enduring roadmap for building lasting peace.

Fr. Pushparaj further cautioned that terrorism and violence only generate hatred and division, never peace. He called on people of all religions to recognise one another as brothers and sisters, children of the one God, and to live out this conviction in daily life. “Everyone is a child of God; we are brothers and sisters,” he affirmed.

Participants also expressed concern over the neglected condition of the historic site in Srirangapatna where Gandhi delivered his 1927 address, urging attention to preserve it as a symbol of India’s peace legacy. The active participation of the Christian community was noted, with Fr. John Sagaya Pushparaj and Mr. Antharaj, a parish council member of Ganjam Parish, representing the community and contributing to the interfaith character of the programme.

The observance concluded with a renewed collective commitment to uphold Gandhi’s ideals of non-violence, dialogue, and fraternity in contemporary society.

By Fr. sagay

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