A huge crowd gathered at the My Suva Park this morning to mark the 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi through a walk-a-thon.

India Fiji Friendship Forum organized the event to appreciate Gandhi’s enormous contribution to various nations and personal lives.

Permanent Secretary of the Office of the Prime Minister, Yogesh Karan says Mahatma Gandhi used to walk more than 15 km every day and considered it the best exercise.

However, nowadays people’s lifestyle is changing.

“We have very high NCD’s and almost one amputation in a day. Its life style virtually. People don’t take advantage of this, particularly the Suva area. There is a beautiful walk anyone can do. People don’t come out, they are so busy with their work. In 24 hours, they cannot spend 30 minutes on themselves. So this is some of the basics that why people can learn from Mahatma ji.”

First Secretary of the Indian High Commission, Sukanta Sahu says Mahatma Gandhi was also an activist who promoted cleanliness.

“Let’s, therefore, dedicate today’s walk-a-thon and plogging exercise to this great soul to a cleaner, more peaceful and more sustainable world.”

Yogesh Karan says it is important that people follow some of Gandhiji’s principles.

Mahatma Gandhi is remembered most for his truthfulness, non-violent resistance, and forgiving nature.