The UAE Crown Prince Khaled Bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan became the third generation of the ruling family of the United Arab Emirates to plant a sapling at Rajghat, Delhi, a memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi.
This marks a significant moment in history, as it is the first time that three generations of leaders from a single country have planted trees at Rajghat to honour Gandhi’s legacy. The planting of saplings symbolizes the strengthening ties between the UAE and India, continuing a tradition that began over three decades ago.
In 1992, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father and first president of the UAE, planted a sapling at Rajghat during his visit to India. This act reflected his deep respect for Mahatma Gandhi’s contributions to peace and non-violence.
His son, Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who is the current president of the UAE, continued the tradition by planting a sapling in 2016. Now, in 2023, the UAE Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled Bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has followed in their footsteps by planting an Amaltas sapling, further reinforcing the bond between the two nations.
Rajghat, a memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, is where the great leader was cremated on January 31, 1948, after his assassination. The black marble platform at Rajghat marks this historic site and has become a symbol of peace and respect for visiting dignitaries.
UAE Crown Prince Continues Tradition Since 1992 of Planting Sapling in Delhi
Over the years, it has been a tradition for heads of state and government to plant saplings in honour of Gandhi’s legacy, and close to 200 saplings have been planted by foreign dignitaries since 1950. This includes notable figures such as Queen Elizabeth II, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Yasser Arafat, and Margaret Thatcher.
The UAE Crown Prince’s sapling planting continues this tradition and showcases the longstanding relationship between the UAE and India. Officials noted that this is the first time in Rajghat’s history that three generations from the same ruling family have taken part in this tradition, reflecting the deep-rooted ties between the two countries.
The UAE and India share a strong partnership, with sustainability forming a key pillar of their multifaceted relationship. This collaboration has grown over the years, highlighting the two nations’ commitment to environmental conservation and global peace.
In his visit to Rajghat, the UAE Crown Prince paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi by observing a minute of silence and laying a wreath at the memorial. He also took time to tend to the trees planted by his predecessors, Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed.
This gesture further emphasized the significance of the event, as it showcased the respect and reverence the UAE leadership holds for Gandhi’s values of peace and non-violence.
The external affairs ministry of India, through its spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, remarked on the significance of this event. Jaiswal stated, “In the footsteps of the Mahatma for a greener planet: Continuing a historic tradition, HH Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, planted a sapling at Rajghat today, highlighting the India-UAE sustainability connect and Mahatma’s universal teachings.” This statement underlines the importance of the UAE Crown Prince’s visit and the symbolic nature of the sapling planting.
The UAE Crown Prince also penned a message in the guestbook at Rajghat, expressing his admiration for Mahatma Gandhi and his teachings.
He wrote, “Mahatma Gandhi will always be immortalised in the hearts of his people and the entire world for his sacrifices that promoted the values of love and peace. Similarly, our Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed, instilled these same noble values worldwide through his legacy of generosity and humanitarian action.” This message reflects the shared values of peace, love, and humanitarian efforts between the UAE and India.
The sapling planting ceremony by the UAE Crown Prince is not just a continuation of a long-standing tradition but also a reaffirmation of the growing partnership between the two nations.
The relationship between India and the UAE has evolved over the years, with both countries collaborating on various fronts, including trade, investment, and cultural exchange. The focus on sustainability is particularly noteworthy, as both nations strive to address global environmental challenges and work towards a greener future.
This visit by the UAE Crown Prince also highlights the UAE’s commitment to strengthening its ties with India. As one of India’s largest trading partners, the UAE has played a significant role in the country’s economic development.
The two nations have also collaborated on various projects aimed at fostering innovation, technology, and sustainable development. The sapling planting ceremony is a symbolic representation of this growing collaboration, with both countries committed to working together for the betterment of their people and the planet.
In conclusion, the UAE Crown Prince’s visit to Rajghat and the planting of the sapling marks a significant moment in the history of India-UAE relations. This event not only honours the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi but also serves as a testament to the strong and growing bond between the two nations.
With sustainability at the forefront of their partnership, the UAE and India continue to work together towards a greener, more peaceful world. The sapling planted by Sheikh Khaled is a symbol of hope, growth, and the enduring friendship between the two nations.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏