Oct. 2 – Indians around the world were given a pat on the back yesterday when U.S. President Barack Obama said on that America of today has its “roots in the India of Mahatma Gandhi.”

Speaking at the International Day of Non-Violence, Obama said that Gandhi’s “teachings and ideals, shared with Martin Luther King Jr. on his 1959 pilgrimage to India, transformed American society through our civil rights movement.

Speaking on the anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi’s birth, the president said that Americans owe enormous gratitude to Gandhi. On behalf of the American people, Obama said he wanted 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, and 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.”