UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon honors Mahatma Gandhi on the International Non-Violence Day, commemorating the Father of the Indian Nation.

In his message on October 2, the date of Mahatma Gandhi's birth, Ban Ki-moon referred to the profound philosophical connection between the fundamental principles of human rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and those practiced by Mahatma Gandhi.

The sixtieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights coinciding with the International Day of Non-Violence, presents a two-fold message of tolerance, understanding and peace to the world.

The International Day of Non-Violence was introduced by the United Nations in 2007, hoping to encourage a joint effort in achieving a culture of peace through education and public awareness.

On Thursday Indian President Pratibha Patil and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at his memorial at Rajghat.

Hundreds of people and representatives of different religions queued up in front of Gandhi's memorial to offer their homage and take part in a prayer meeting in his honor.

Many school children also joined the crowds to pay tribute to the Father of the Nation, braving security checks and the hot weather to commemorate the 139th birth anniversary of Gandhi.

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