The commemoration, launched by Ambassador of India to Indonesia Pradeep Kumar Rawat and Jakarta Province Governor Anies Baswedan, aimed at reliving some of Gandhi's teachings and values of non-violence, or known in Sanskrit as Satyagraha and Ahimsa.
While highlighting Gandhi's teachings of peace and non-violence, Rawat emphasized that under no grounds was it justifiable for human beings to hurt fellow people and other sentient beings, such as animals and other creatures in nature.
Hence, he believed that cycling would reflect and apply Gandhian non-violence, as commuting on bikes would not pollute the air and harm other people.
"Gandhi taught us to live in harmony with nature," he affirmed.
In the meantime, Baswedan applauded the cycling event, as it was expected to motivate people in the capital city to use more environment-friendly transportation.
"Bicycle was intrinsic to Gandhi's life. It is an outstanding example for everyone, as cycling will cause no pollution," Baswedan noted.
The cycling event began in front of the governor's official residence near Suropati Park and concluded at the Mahatma Gandhi School in Kemayoran, Central Jakarta.
During the event, the ambassador and governor exchanged gifts as a gesture of friendship.
Translator: Genta Tenri Mawangi
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2019
