Washington, Oct 2 (IANS) President Barack Obama said that Americans owe an enormous gratitude to the father of the Indian nation as the US has its “roots in the India of Mahatma Gandhi and the non-violent social action movement” he led for India’s independence.
“His teachings and ideals, shared with Martin Luther King Jr. on his 1959 pilgrimage to India, transformed American society through our civil rights movement,” Obama said in a message to mark the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi Friday, which is being celebrated as the International Day of Non-Violence.

“The America of today has its roots in the India of Mahatma Gandhi and the non-violent social action movement for Indian independence which he led,” Obama said in a statement.

On behalf of the American people, Obama said he wants to express appreciation for the life and lessons of Mahatma Gandhi on the anniversary of his birth.

“This is an important moment to reflect on his message of non-violence, which continues to inspire people and political movements across the globe,” he said.

“We join the people of India in celebrating this great soul who lived a life dedicated to the cause of advancing justice, showing tolerance to all, and creating change through non-violent resistance,” Obama said.

As the world remembers the Mahatma on his birth anniversary, Obama said: “We must renew our commitment to live his ideals and to celebrate the dignity of all human beings.”

Last month Obama had said that if given a chance he would love to have a dinner meeting with Mahatma Gandhi.

“Dinner with anyone dead or alive? Well, you know, dead or alive, that’s a pretty big list,” Obama said in response to a question from a student during his discussion with 9th graders at a high school in Arlington, Virginia, he joked.

Then added seriously: “You know, I think that it might be Gandhi, who is a real hero of mine.”

“Now, it would probably be a really small meal because he didn’t eat a lot,” he said amidst laughter. “But Mahatma Gandhi is someone who has inspired people across the world for the past several generations”, he said.