Gandhi's Message Still Matters: Cyprus House President Joins Nicosia Tribute on His 157th Birth Anniversary

Behind the House of Representatives in Nicosia, on a street named after Jawaharlal Nehru, stands a bust of Mahatma Gandhi. On Friday morning, 2 October, it was surrounded by flowers, as Indians and Cypriots gathered to mark 157 years since his birth.

The ceremony was organised by the High Commission of India, and it drew one of the most senior figures in Cypriot public life: Annita Demetriou, President of the House of Representatives.

Why 2 October matters beyond India

Gandhi Jayanti is a national holiday in India, but the date is also marked worldwide. Since 2007 the United Nations has observed 2 October as the International Day of Non-Violence, honouring the man who showed that a people could win freedom without taking up arms.

The House President's message

• Still relevant today: with wars and tensions in many parts of the world, Ms Demetriou said Gandhi's call for non-violence and dialogue is as important now as ever.
• Two freedom struggles: Cypriots and Indians both know what it costs to win independence, she noted, adding that Cyprus stands firmly for peace and for values every nation can share.
• A thank-you: Ms Demetriou praised High Commissioner Manish, saying his efforts have helped bring Nicosia and New Delhi closer together.
• Looking ahead: in her view, India–Cyprus relations are moving into a new phase, with the backing of both countries' parliaments.

Coming from the head of Cyprus's parliament, at a monument that stands in its own grounds, those words carry real weight for Indians who have made the island their home.

Closing a fortnight of service

The tribute also brought the High Commission's Seva Pakhwada, a fortnight of service and community activities, to a close. Highlights from the past two weeks included:

• 19 September: a bicommunal clean-up of Nicosia's old town for World Cleanup Day, organised by Let's Do It! Cyprus, where the High Commission handed out free Gandhi T-shirts to the volunteers.
• 20 September: Namaste Cyprus 2026, an evening of Indian music, dance and food at the Marios Tokas Theatre in Limassol.
• 27 September: the India–Cyprus Friendship Run along the Molos seafront in Limassol.
• 2 October: the floral tribute at the Mahatma Gandhi bust in Nicosia.

What this means for you

Gandhiji's ideas are easy to admire and harder to practise. A few simple ways to bring them into everyday life in Cyprus:

• Serve your neighbourhood: join a local clean-up or volunteer drive. Groups like Let's Do It! Cyprus run them across the island.
• Choose dialogue: at work, at home or online, try listening first and arguing less. It is the heart of what Gandhi taught.
• Teach the next generation: tell your children his story, or take them to see the bust behind parliament on Jawaharlal Nehru Avenue.
• Stay connected: follow the High Commission of India and our Events page so you don't miss the next community gathering.

Sources: CyprusMail1, CyprusMail2, HighCommisionofIndia