From correspondents in Emirates, United Arab Emirates, 03:30 PM IST

The 139th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi was observed as International Non-Violence Day across the Gulf.

A number of functions were organised Thursday by Indian missions and expatriate Indian organisations in the region in which tributes were paid to the Mahatma.

In Abu Dhabi, India's Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Talmiz Ahmad, at a function late Thursday, called upon people to follow the Gandhian path.

While expressing anguish over people resorting to violence to resolve issues, he said Gandhi's ideals were very much relevant in today's world.

The Gandhian way was the only way to solve the various problems in today's world, the ambassador said.

At the function in the Indian embassy, two short films - 'Satyagraha' and 'Does Gandhi Matter' - were also screened.

Schoolchildren read out essays on the Mahatma.

In Qatar, the Indian Cultural and Arts Society (INCAS) held a function in which winners of an essay contest organised earlier in connection with Gandhi's birth anniversary were presented with awards.

The UN General Assembly has declared Gandhi's birth anniversary International Non-Violence Day.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)