The Hague launching Gandhi@150 celebrations in the Netherlands
Special commemorative stamps marking the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi issued by the Indian Postal Department were presented by Ambassador of India to the Netherlands, H.E. Mr. Venu Rajamony to former Foreign Minister and Chairman of Carnegie Foundation, Dr. Bernard R. Bot and Director General Erik de Baedts at a function this morning in front of the iconic Peace Palace of The Hague, home to the International Court of Justice and the Permanent Court of Arbitration. A large gathering of members of the Indian diaspora and friends of India participated in the function.
Ambassador Venu Rajamony, members of the Indian community, friends of India also participated in a function at the Gandhi statue in The Hague. Ambassador Venu Rajamony garlanded the statue and members of the gathering placed flowers at the feet of the statue as a mark of respect amidst speeches, singing of favourite songs of Mahatma Gandhi. Similar functions to mark Gandhi@150 are also to be held at the location of Gandhi statues in the cities of Amsterdam, Utrecht and Zoetermeer.
An outreach programme called “Follow the Mahatma” is being conducted by the Embassy of India between October 1-5, 2018 under which over 100 volunteers fan out to around 20 schools of the Netherlands to spread the message of non-violence and educate students about life of Mahatma Gandhi. Books on Mahatma Gandhi are being presented to the schools. Ambassador Venu Rajamony visited the Indonesian school in The Hague as part of the program and spoke to students about the life and relevance of Mahatma Gandhi.
A social media campaign with the hashtag #FollowTheMahatma is also being conducted inviting people to post messages reiterating their commitment to the principle of non-violence.
Sunday, 9-14 September 2018, PRC: Premier of Brandenburg, Dietmar Woidke was in the PRC leading a political, trade and scientific delegation in Beijing as well as the partner province of Hebei. The latter partnership was signed up during Premier Woidke’s first visit to the PRC in 2015.
On Tuesday, 4 September, Premier Woidke and his delegation travelled to Hebei, or more accurately to the province’s capital Shijiazhuang and the cities of Tangshan and Zhang-jiakou. There are ca. 300 companies from Brandenburg either already active, or planning to be active in Brandenburg.
Brandenburg Invest and the China Federation of Industrial Economics and their daughter company Cniecloud Data on their part signed a memorandum of understanding to engage more German companies hailing from Brandenburg in the Chinese “Belt & Road Initiative”, the new Silk Road. Currently there are 120 firms involved therein.
Premier Woidke and his political delegations moreover held meetings with the German foundations active in Chinese civil society, and in particular talked with them about the Chinese way in new industries.
Another important call for Premier Woidke was a meeting with the organisers of the Olympic Games 2022 to be held at Beijing. A few competitions will be also hosted in Zhangjiakou, Hebei, the partner province of Brandenburg.
The Hague, 3 October 2018- The Registrar of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (Mechanism), Mr. Olufemi Elias, will be on an official visit to Zagreb, the Republic of Croatia, from 3 to 4 October 2018.
As part of the visit, Registrar Elias will meet with the Croatian Minister of Justice, Mr. Dražen Bošnjaković, to discuss the ongoing cooperation between the Mechanism and the Croatian authorities, as well as the possible establishment of an information centre on the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) in Zagreb.
Registrar Elias will also meet with the President of the Supreme Court of Croatia, Judge Đuro Sessa, as well as other officials of the court, to discuss a range of issues, including the Mechanism’s provision of assistance to national authorities in dealing with war crimes cases.
During his visit in Zagreb, the Registrar will hold a briefing for the diplomatic community based in Croatia, to inform them about the Mechanism’s mandate, priorities and ongoing work.
Registrar Elias will also meet representatives of civil society active in the field of transitional justice, to discuss their ongoing activities in relation to the Mechanism’s work and the legacy of the ICTY, as well as potential areas for further cooperation.
This is Mr. Elias’ second visit of a series of planned visits to the former Yugoslavia since he took up duty as Registrar of the Mechanism in January 2017. He visited Bosnia and Herzegovina in July this year, while a visit to the Republic of Serbia is planned in the coming months.
By Guido Lanfranchi.On October 2nd, 2018, the U.S. Permanent Representative to NATO, Ambassador Kay Bailey Hutchison, briefed the press ahead of the NATO Defense Ministerial of October 3rd and 4th. The Ambassador outlined some of the forthcoming key points of discussion and highlighted the role of the U.S. as a leader in the Alliance.
Less than three months after the last NATO Summit of July 2018, NATO Defense Ministers are scheduled to meet in Brussels on October 3rd and 4th, in order to discuss the implementation of the July Summit Declaration. Ahead of this meeting, Ambassador Kay Bailey Hutchison, U.S. Permanent Representative to NATO, outlined in a press briefing the main points that will be on the table during the upcoming Ministerial. Starting from the July declaration, which focuses especially on deterring Russia and countering terrorism, the Ministerial is now set to kick off the implementation phase.
One of the focus of the meeting will be on NATO capabilities. Currently – Ms. Hutchison explained – NATO has adopted that goal of the “Four 30s,” that is, 30 battalions, 30 air squadrons, and 30 ships available for deployment in maximum 30 days. Moreover, the Ambassador welcomed the reform of NATO command structure, the establishment of two new headquarters in the U.S. and Germany, as well as the Alliance’s commitments in terms of hybrid threats and cyber operations.
In the upcoming meeting, the Ministers will also discuss the much debated target of 2% of national GDP in defense investment. Ambassador Hutchison welcomed the progress made by many countries, stressing that although the target is still not reached, the overall trends are positive. She stressed that although effectiveness of spending is hard to measure, NATO capabilities in terms of military equipment and interoperability show that defense investments yield their results.
Moreover, the Ambassador added that the Ministers will discuss NATO nuclear deterrence capabilities, as well as the cooperation between NATO and Georgia, a country that enjoys the full support of the Alliance.
The last main focus of the Ministerial will be the fight against terrorism. Ambassador Hutchison praised the work of the Alliance in support of the local security forces in Afghanistan, where the alliance is committed until 2024. Moreover, she also gave an update on the upcoming mission in Iraq, which will be led by Canada and will be tasked with training and advising Iraqi security forces. This mission, which will be deployed in close coordination with the Iraqi government, is set to stabilize the areas reconquered from ISIS and prevent a potential future fallout.
Questions from the press focused on a wide range of issues. Many focused on the situation of Eastern European countries, such as Romania, Bulgaria, and Ukraine. Ambassador Hutchison repeatedly stressed that NATO is well aware of the threats arising from the Russian presence in the region, and noted that both NATO and the U.S. are fully committed to support NATO members and partners vis-à-vis Russia.
Concerning the case of Turkey, the Ambassador stressed that while there are bilateral differences between the U.S. and Turkey, the latter remains a very valuable partner to NATO, and military high-level ties are still strong. As for the assessment of the relationship between the U.S. and its European partners, Ms. Hutchison stressed that the overall status of the bond is good, and especially so in the security field. Even on Iran, while the two parties disagree on the issue of the Iran Nuclear Deal, they still have a shared view on Iran’s malign activities in the region at large – the Ambassador explained.
Finally, Ms. Hutchison welcomed the result of the referendum held in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, expressing her hopes that the government and the parliament will be able to move ahead with the political follow-ups and accompany the country in its accession to NATO.
In her concluding remarks, Ambassador Hutchison stressed the leading role of the U.S. in NATO, as well as the country’s present and future commitment to transatlantic ties. As the world changes and new challenges emerge, she stressed that NATO wants to remain successful in securing “peace throughout the Alliance territory,” while “adapting to the changes that are necessary to secure our future.”
Historic decision of the International Court of Justice, no obligation to negotiate
The Hague October 2, 2018. The International Court of Justice presented its final judgment on a case filed by the government of the Plurinational State of Bolivia against the Republic of Chile. The case, filed by Bolivia in April 2013, concerned a dispute over the alleged obligation for Chile to negotiate with Bolivia over the latter’s fully sovereign access to the Pacific Ocean.
With a majority of twelve votes out of fifteen, the International Court of Justice found that Chile did not have any legal obligation to negotiate a sovereign access to the sea for Bolivia. ICJ President Yusuf, Vice-President Xue, as well as judges Tomka, Abraham, Bennouna, Cancado Trindade, Donoghue, Gaja, Sebutinde, Bhandari, Gevorgian, and McRae voted in favour of the Court’s resolution, while judges Robinson, Salam, and Daudet voted against.
Many Ambassadors, notably from Latin American countries, attended the deliberations at the Great Salon of the Peace Palace. The President of Bolivia, Mr. Evo Morales, and delegations from both the countries involved also attended the lecture by the jury’s president. International media were present to cover the event, while a group of Bolivians, dressed in national costumes and accompanied by traditional music, staged a peaceful demonstration in front of the Palace.
Back in 1825, Bolivia enjoyed a coastline along the Pacific Ocean stretching south of the Loa river. The1866 Treaty of Territorial Limits and the 1874 Treaty of Limits configurated a settlement reached by both States. The War of the Pacific (1879-1884) confronting Chile with Bolivia and Peru, overhauled the region’s dynamics and borders, and resulted in Bolivia’s loss of control over its Pacific coast, occupied by Chile after it claimed that Bolivia had breached the 1874 Treaty.
Since then, the two countries signed a series of treaties, which not always entered into force, due to lack of approval from the two countries’ Congresses. By means of continuous efforts, Chile and Bolivia finally managed to officially sign the peace in 1904, through the Treaty of Peace and Friendship, after ending the war in 1884, by the Truce Treaty. The Treaty of 1904, recognized “absolutely and in perpetuity” Chile’s sovereignty over the occupied territories, including Bolivia’s former coastal area. In exchange, the Treaty recognized to Bolivia “the amplest and freest right of commercial transit” through Chilean ports and the “rights to establish custom agencies in the ports” to facilitate its commerce. Chile also built at its own expenses a railroad between the port of Arica and the Bolivian capital La Paz.
Since the 1920, the League of Nations became the arena of a series of exchanges on Bolivia’s access to the sea, including requests to revise the 1904 Peace Treaty. Major efforts also came from US Secretary of State Mr. Frank Kellog, who proposed that Chile and Peru would cede the Tacna and Arica provinces to Bolivia. While Bolivia accepted the proposal, Chile and Peru refused to relinquish these portions of national territory.
The issue of Tacna and Arica was later solved bilaterally in the Treaty of Lima. According to such Treaty, Peru would enjoy sovereignty over Tacna and Chile over Arica. Moreover, the two countries agreed not to cede power to any third country or build any international railway without the other’s consent.
New discussions emerged in the late 1940s, and in 1950 Chilean President Mr. Gabriel Gonzalez Videla accepted to engage in negotiations. However, no major progress were made, and in the 1950s the exchanges between the parties focused mostly on the implementation of Bolivia’s access to the ocean. After a row over the use of waters of the River Lauca, in 1962 Bolivia severed diplomatic relations with Chile, and Chile halted all discussions involving territorial concessions.
In the 1970s the dialogue opened once again, with the so-called Charaña process. New negotiations were also launched in 1986, but ended with Chile’s refusal of two Bolivian proposals for access to the Pacific. Since the 1990’s the parties resumed conversations aimed to consider means to improve mutual trust and seed formulas such as the creation of a special economic zone for Bolivia or others to export gas through Chile with enhanced coastal facilities. However, Bolivia did not accept to continue considering these proposals.
Exchanges between the two parties continued throughout the 2000s, this time focusing on the creation of a Bolivian enclave on the Chilean coast. However, the President of Chile set three clear conditions for any agreement: compliance with the 1904 Peace Treaty, absence of sovereignty transfer, and abandonment of Bolivia’s right to access to the Pacific as enshrined in the country’s Constitution. Once more, the discussions ended due to the divergent positions.
This is the backdrop against which in 2013 Bolivia filed its case to the ICJ, arguing that Chile should be obliged to negotiate an agreement to solve the issue. Indeed, while states are usually free to engage in negotiations, there are cases in which, on account of previous agreements, international law can require states to enter into negotiations over a dispute.
After a careful analysis of the case and an evaluation of the long history of exchanges between the two countries, the International Court of Justice ruled that in this situation “the Republic of Chile did not undertake a legal obligation to negotiate” with Bolivia over the country’s sovereign access to the Ocean. The Court also noted that its decision did not restrain the two countries from continuing their dialogue, exchanges, and negotiations, in order to address issues of mutual interest. Both countries were represented by highly respected agents and co-agents and the atmosphere of good neighbourliness is expected to prevail after 1 October.
After such declarations, the delegations started to quietly leave the Great Salon of the Peace Palace.
The Netherlands marks the International Day of Non-Violence with an impressive Gandhi March
The Embassy of India in The Hague leaded by H.E. Ambassador Venu Rajamony, organized a multitudinous and multi-ethnic “Gandhi March”, which started at noon on Sunday, September 30 at the emblematic Peace Palace, home to the International Court of Justice and the Permanent Court of Arbitration, where a series of inspiring speeches and artistic demonstration took place.
Hundreds of people from different nationalities and ages, including many Ambassadors and diplomats, participated to mark the upcoming International Day of Non-Violence. The event was also a precursor to the commencement of celebrations of the 150th anniversary of Gandhi´s birthday, which will be internationally announced today October 2 by the Government of India.
The Netherlands Association of Malayalees (Nanma) entertained the gathering with the Chenda Melam (drums of Kerala) and Onam Dancers as people gathered. Ambassador of India to the Netherlands, H.E. Mr. Venu Rajamony welcomed the gathering, “Let’s follow the dream of Gandhi, the same dream who inspired Martin Luther King and Mandela” He stressed the importance to educate the children in a rule of peace, to talk to them about Gandhi and how he achieved a pacific independence of India with determination. Ambassador mentioned the fact that Gandhi used to start his speeches by reading passages of the Bible, the Coran, the Bhagavad Gita and other religious emblematic books to demonstrate that all religions are looking for peace and should be our common goal. Rajamony was followed by brief speeches by spiritual guru from India Sri M, who said “we cannot live in the past, bring the inspiration up today and apply Gandhi in your live; peace should not be complicate”; and Deputy Mayor of The Hague Ms. Kavita Parbhudayal.
The rally was led by Ambassadors of the USA, Indonesia, Canada, Ireland, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Belgium, Romania, Malaysia, Palestine, Cyprus, Italy, Afghanistan, Guatemala, Rwanda, Bosnia &Herzegovina and the Ambassador of India, Mr. VenuRajamony.
Participants wore T-shirts specially designed for the occasion with the logo ‘Follow the Mahatma’ and a picture of Gandhi. They also carried posters and shouted slogans advocating non-violence and peace as well as the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi. The colourful march traversed through the City of The Hague and the participants congregated at the historic Grote Kerk or Big Church of The Hague.
The Ambassadors of the US, H.E. Mr. Peter Hoekstra; from Indonesia, H.E. I Gusti Wesaka Puja and Afghanistan, H.E. Dr. Mohammad Homayoon Azizi addressed the marchers at the Grote Kerk. Multinational cultural performances highlighting the message of non-violence were held along with a special exhibition mounted on a Khadi Scroll (curated by Pramod Kapoor of Roli Books, India).
The ‘Follow the Mahatma’ campaign was launched by organizations and individuals advocating Non-Violence in the Netherlands, the Indian community and the Embassy of India in 2017 with the aim of confirming to the world community the importance of Non-Violence and peace.
The Embassy of India along with these community organizations will conduct during the period of October 1-5, 2018 an education outreach programme under which over 100 volunteers will fan out to around twenty schools of the Netherlands to spread the message of non-violence and to educate students about the life of Mahatma Gandhi and on how India won freedom through a non-violence movement.
A social media campaign with the hashtag #followthemahatma will also be conducted during the period, inviting people across the Netherlands to post messages reaffirming their commitment to the principle of non-violence.
The march was sponsored by City of The Hague Municipality, Tata Steel, Zeelandia, HCL, POSC and Gravin van BylandtStichting.
About Follow the Mahatma:
Above activities are to be followed up with six events in four cities on October 2 which will mark the formal commencement of the Gandhi@150 celebrations.
OPCW Director-General Provides Vision for Addressing Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Challenges at Asser Institute Training
The Hague, Netherlands — 1 October 2018 — The Director-General of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), Ambassador Fernando Arias, delivered today the keynote address at the opening of the Asser Institute’s Ninth Annual Training Programme on Disarmament and Non-Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD), which is jointly organised with the OPCW and takes place in The Hague.
The training course, taking place from 1-5 October, will provide clear insights for mid-career professionals into the legal, scientific, diplomatic and geo-political issues relating to chemical weapons and other WMDs in the contemporary world.
In his keynote speech, Ambassador Arias reminded the attendees that: “Disarmament and non-proliferation are not simple issues that lend themselves to simple solutions. They require specialised knowledge and training in a variety of cross-cutting areas, both technical and non-technical in nature.”
After describing the various challenges to the global norm against chemical weapons, the Director-General encouraged the future policy makers, implementers, and influencers to use this training to acquire a comprehensive overview of the different perspectives on WMD disarmament, and to become “better contributors to multilateral action”.
“For disarmament to be a success, we need leaders and innovators prepared to think outside the box in order to put weapons of mass destruction back into theirs,” emphasised the Director-General.
Throughout the week, the participants will learn from leading WMD experts, including those from the OPCW who will provide insights into the Organisation’s achievements and challenges in the implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention, the OPCW inspection and verification regime, the role of science in bio-chemical disarmament, and the growing threat of chemical terrorism.
The course also features field visits to the OPCW Laboratory in Rijswijk and to the nuclear research reactor at Delft University of Technology.
The German Club in the Netherlands is organizing their traditional Oktoberfest on Saturday, October 6 from 7 pm to 11 pm at Marriot The Hague.
The diplomatic and international community together with the German and Dutch are welcome to attend this special celebration.
The Oktoberfest started as a wedding party in Munich when the crown prince of Bavaria Kronprinz Ludwig (1786 -1868), later King Ludwig I (reign: 1825 – 1848), married Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen on 12 October 1810. The citizens of Munich were invited to attend the festivities held on the fields in front of the city gates to celebrate the royal event. The fields were named Theresienwiese (“Theresa’s Meadow”) in honor of the Crown Princess, and have kept that name ever since, although the locals have since abbreviated the name simply to the “Wiesn”.
Horse races, in the tradition of the 15th-century Scharlachrennen (Scarlet Race at Karlstor), were held on 18 October to honor the newlyweds. It is widely understood that Andreas Michael Dall’Armi, a Major in the National Guard, proposed the idea. The decision to repeat the horse races, spectacle, and celebrations in 1811 is now the annual Oktoberfest tradition.
Come and enjoy the Bavarian food and drink like Paulaner Wies ’n beer and Bavarian music by Die Hofstadter.
By Guido Lanfranchi.On September 26th, State Department Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security, Andrea Thompson briefed the press on the US efforts on nonproliferation at the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly.
With the escalating rows between the US and Iran on the Nuclear Agreement, the ongoing negotiations for the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula, and the recent chemical attacks in Salisbury, nonproliferation was definitely set to be one of the key themes of the 73rd session of the UN General Assembly. Indeed, so it has been, as many speeches, side-events, and high-level bilateral meetings have been focusing on the theme of nonproliferation.
The US administration has decided to double down on the topic. In a telephonic briefing with the press, State Department Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security Andrea Thompson stated that “the top priority for the US at this year’s General Assembly is nonproliferation,” noting that while such theme is an everyday focus for the US State Department, UNGA provided a great forum to discuss such issue with a wide range of partners from all across the world.
A hot topic in this week’s UNGA has undoubtedly been Iran. After withdrawing from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action , the US administration is now in the process of re-imposing a sanctions on Iran and all actors who directly deal with its government. This has created strains between the US and its European allies, with the latter who have been active in trying to shield European businesses from US sanctions.
Questioned about the US policy on Iran and the upcoming rounds of sanctions, Ms. Thompson stressed the need focus “on the full range of Iran’s malign activities,” including Iran’s ballistic missiles program, support of terrorism, and human rights record. Concerning the EU’s efforts to salvage the JCPOA, Ms. Thompson referred to US Secretary of Sate’s recent declarations, in which Mr. Michael Pompeo firmly condemned the European efforts. Nevertheless, the US and the EU see eye to eye on a series of issues related to Iran – Ms. Thompson noted – and will continue to work together on the issue.
Under Secretary Thompson also touched upon the ongoing negotiations with North Korea, which are aimed at achieving the “final and fully verified denulcearization” of the country. In doing so, she stressed that full compliance with all UN Security Council Resolutions is of paramount importance. As the international community’s pressure played a role in pushing Kim Jong-un to negotiate – Ms. Thompson said – the current sanctions should be kept in place until the denuclearization of North Korea.
Finally, Under Secretary Thompson also touched upon the topic of biological weapons. She stressed that the international community as a whole has a zero-tolerance policy on the use of not only biological, but also chemical weapons, and that “the US is also a leader in that field.” As such, the US administration is working and will work with a broad range of international partners against the proliferation of such weapons.
While challenges are ahead on all fronts, and especially on the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, the international community continues to focus its attention on the topic. Hopefully, the 73rd session of UNGA will be a profitable forum for finding suitable solutions.
For additional information:
Mr. Mark Verheul, Director of the Institute for International Protocol and Strategic Networking.By Roy Lie A Tjam.The Latin America table convened on 20th September 2018. The guest speaker was Mr. Mark Verheul trainer and consultant at the Institute for International Protocol and Strategic Networking of which he is the founder and proprietor.
The institute is EDU accredited. What is more, Mr. Verheul is the former Head of Protocol of the City of The Hague, he also worked for The Royal Hashemite Court of Jordan and The Royal Household of the Netherlands.
H.E. Mr. Magzhan Ilyassov, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and H.E. Mr. Fernando Bucheli Vargas, Ambassador of Ecuador, in the back with the micro, Mr. Roy Lie, from Diplomat Magazine.
In 2016 Verheul co-authored “An Experts Guide to International Protocol” Published by Amsterdam University Press. The guide will be published in other languages such as Spanish and Chinese. The lecture was well attended; among the attendees were Ambassadors, business persons, representatives of International organisations and others. His theme was:
International Protocol and Strategic Networking / Best Practice in Diplomatic- and Corporate RelationsMs. Sonia Meijer, President of the Latin American Table.
Verheul’ expose captured the attention of the audience from start to end. He gave an animated in-depth explanation of what protocol is and what it is not and its relationship with etiquettes. Verheul touched on the Richard Lewis Triangle and talked about seating arrangements, what to mention in an invitation and so on.
The president of the Latin America Table Ms. Sonia Meyer thanked Mark Verheul and offered him a token of gratitude.
All in all, a very instructive evening.
Many Ambassadors, notably from Latin American countries, attended the deliberations at the Great Salon of the Peace Palace. The President of Bolivia, Mr. Evo Morales, and delegations from both the countries involved also attended the lecture by the jury’s president. International media were present to cover the event, while a group of Bolivians, dressed in national costumes and accompanied by traditional music, staged a peaceful demonstration in front of the Palace.
The rally was led by Ambassadors of the USA, Indonesia, Canada, Ireland, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Belgium, Romania, Malaysia, Palestine, Cyprus, Italy, Afghanistan, Guatemala, Rwanda, Bosnia &Herzegovina and the Ambassador of India, Mr. VenuRajamony.
Participants wore T-shirts specially designed for the occasion with the logo ‘Follow the Mahatma’ and a picture of Gandhi. They also carried posters and shouted slogans advocating non-violence and peace as well as the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi. The colourful march traversed through the City of The Hague and the participants congregated at the historic Grote Kerk or Big Church of The Hague.
The Ambassadors of the US, H.E. Mr. Peter Hoekstra; from Indonesia, H.E. I Gusti Wesaka Puja and Afghanistan, H.E. Dr. Mohammad Homayoon Azizi addressed the marchers at the Grote Kerk. Multinational cultural performances highlighting the message of non-violence were held along with a special exhibition mounted on a Khadi Scroll (curated by Pramod Kapoor of Roli Books, India).
The ‘Follow the Mahatma’ campaign was launched by organizations and individuals advocating Non-Violence in the Netherlands, the Indian community and the Embassy of India in 2017 with the aim of confirming to the world community the importance of Non-Violence and peace.
The Embassy of India along with these community organizations will conduct during the period of October 1-5, 2018 an education outreach programme under which over 100 volunteers will fan out to around twenty schools of the Netherlands to spread the message of non-violence and to educate students about the life of Mahatma Gandhi and on how India won freedom through a non-violence movement.
A social media campaign with the hashtag #followthemahatma will also be conducted during the period, inviting people across the Netherlands to post messages reaffirming their commitment to the principle of non-violence.
The march was sponsored by City of The Hague Municipality, Tata Steel, Zeelandia, HCL, POSC and Gravin van BylandtStichting.
About Follow the Mahatma:
Above activities are to be followed up with six events in four cities on October 2 which will mark the formal commencement of the Gandhi@150 celebrations.
The diplomatic and international community together with the German and Dutch are welcome to attend this special celebration.
The Oktoberfest started as a wedding party in Munich when the crown prince of Bavaria Kronprinz Ludwig (1786 -1868), later King Ludwig I (reign: 1825 – 1848), married Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen on 12 October 1810. The citizens of Munich were invited to attend the festivities held on the fields in front of the city gates to celebrate the royal event. The fields were named Theresienwiese (“Theresa’s Meadow”) in honor of the Crown Princess, and have kept that name ever since, although the locals have since abbreviated the name simply to the “Wiesn”.
Horse races, in the tradition of the 15th-century Scharlachrennen (Scarlet Race at Karlstor), were held on 18 October to honor the newlyweds. It is widely understood that Andreas Michael Dall’Armi, a Major in the National Guard, proposed the idea. The decision to repeat the horse races, spectacle, and celebrations in 1811 is now the annual Oktoberfest tradition.
Come and enjoy the Bavarian food and drink like Paulaner Wies ’n beer and Bavarian music by Die Hofstadter. 
The diplomatic and international community together with the German and Dutch are welcome to attend this special celebration.
The Oktoberfest started as a wedding party in Munich when the crown prince of Bavaria Kronprinz Ludwig (1786 -1868), later King Ludwig I (reign: 1825 – 1848), married Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen on 12 October 1810. The citizens of Munich were invited to attend the festivities held on the fields in front of the city gates to celebrate the royal event. The fields were named Theresienwiese (“Theresa’s Meadow”) in honor of the Crown Princess, and have kept that name ever since, although the locals have since abbreviated the name simply to the “Wiesn”.
Horse races, in the tradition of the 15th-century Scharlachrennen (Scarlet Race at Karlstor), were held on 18 October to honor the newlyweds. It is widely understood that Andreas Michael Dall’Armi, a Major in the National Guard, proposed the idea. The decision to repeat the horse races, spectacle, and celebrations in 1811 is now the annual Oktoberfest tradition.
Come and enjoy the Bavarian food and drink like Paulaner Wies ’n beer and Bavarian music by Die Hofstadter. 
