UNSW Sydney marks India’s Martyrs’ Day with Gandhi Oration

UNSW Sydney, one of Australia's world-class universities, joined the Indian community and business leaders to commemorate Indias Martyrs Day - the anniversary of Mahatma Gandhis assassination on January 30, 1948 - at the annual Gandhi Remembrance Ceremony and Gandhi Oration.

Launched in 2012, the Gandhi Oration is delivered by a person whose life work exemplifies the ideals of Gandhi. The Oration is preceded by a Remembrance Ceremony at the Gandhi bust on the Library Lawn of the 70-year-old university that has one of the largest numbers of Indian students.

The ceremony includes the lighting of a ceremonial lamp, the singing of two hymns and a minute's silence before dignitaries place floral tributes on the bust of Gandhi.

The events signify the close ties between India and UNSW. The university is the only higher-education institution in Australia to celebrate Martyr's Day and is home to one of only two bronze sculptures of Gandhi in the country. UNSW also hosts the annual Gandhi Jayanti, a celebration of Gandhi's birthday on October 2.

During the commemoration earlier this week, UNSW President and Vice Chancellor Professor Ian Jacobs articulated the University's role in continuing Gandhi's vision for dismantling injustice, and championing human rights for all by bridging geographic and cultural divides through collaboration and student exchange. The University has identified India as a key strategic partner in its 2025 Strategy.

"UNSW is delighted that our partnerships in India are ever-growing in breadth and depth," Professor Jacobs said. "We acknowledge that we are fortunate to partner with a country that has held knowledge and learning in high esteem for millennia."