The Singapore Indian Fine Arts Society (SIFAS), in collaboration with the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Trust, commemorated the 156th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi on Oct 2 with a deeply moving Gandhi Jayanti celebration and scholarship awards ceremony.
Held at the historic SIFAS Annexe Theatre within the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Hall on Race Course Lane, the evening was a blend of reflection, recognition, and rich cultural expression.
The event began with a warm welcome by Dr Sarjit Singh, trustee of the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Trust, who reminded attendees that Gandhi’s transformative journey began not in India, but in South Africa.
“It was there that a young lawyer faced injustice – and from that, the Mahatma was born,” he said, adding that Gandhi’s legacy is a shared one, between India, South Africa, and the world.
Dr Singh expressed gratitude to the president of SIFAS, Mr K.V. Rao, executive director Ms Menaka Gopalan, and the SIFAS team for curating the event.
He also acknowledged the trustees and community leaders who have kept the spirit of Gandhi alive in Singapore through the upkeep of the Memorial Hall and its programming.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of scholarships and awards to outstanding students in the fields of music and the arts.
“To our awardees,” said Dr Singh, “this is not just recognition, but also responsibility – to uplift others and serve with humility.”
Mr Rao added that the Gandhi Memorial Hall is iconic for multiple reasons.
“It was the first memorial built for Mahatma Gandhi outside India, with its foundation laid by Jawaharlal Nehru in 1950,” he noted.
Mr Rao recounted his personal connection to Gandhi, sharing stories of his childhood steeped in khadi (hand-spun and hand-woven fabric) and Gandhian values, calling it a “full circle moment” to now be stewarding this cultural space.
The evening featured a vibrant cultural segment that brought Gandhi’s principles to life through Indian classical arts.
Music performances included Gandhi’s favourite songs Vaishnav Janato and Vande Mataram, sung by Guru Subhadeep Biswas (vocals and harmonium) with Guru Mihir Kundu on the tabla.
The Kathak dance segment featured Guru Aastha Chattaraj and students Yana Atit Shah and Lavanya Narayan performing Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram and Bharat Anokha Rang Hai.
“Music is a language of harmony,” said Mr Rao. “Whether it’s Indian, African, or Western – there are only eight notes. And those notes can speak to anyone, anywhere.”
The Guest of Honour, High Commissioner of South Africa to Singapore Madiepetsane Charlotte Lobe, delivered a stirring speech tracing Gandhi’s 21 years in South Africa.
“South Africa was Gandhi’s preparatory school,” she said. “It’s where his philosophy of Satyagraha – non-violent resistance – was born.”
She paid tribute to the deep links between India and South Africa, noting how Gandhi’s influence shaped not just Indian independence but also the anti-apartheid movement.
“(Nelson) Mandela, (Oliver) Tambo, (Walter) Sisulu – our heroes were deeply inspired by Gandhi,” she said. “And India stood by South Africa at every critical moment, even declaring apartheid a crime against humanity in 1973.”
The event concluded with a call to introspection. “There is a little Mahatma in all of us,” said Mr Rao. “A part that believes in truth, compassion, and peaceful resistance. Let us awaken that Mahatma today.”
