October 2 is the International Dy of Non-Violence, observed in commemoration of Mahatma Gandhi, the Indian political and spiritual leader who was born on the same day. His advocacy of peaceful resistance and non-violence led to the eventual gaining of India’s independence, and inspired the world over particularly with civil rights movements. Did you know that after his death, some of his ashes were strewn in Singapore?

The next time you look over the waters at Clifford Pier (perhaps on the way to the Merlion, or to catch a view of Marina Bay), pause and remember that a great man was laid to rest in these very waters. yg explains:

i was browsing for photographs of the old clifford pier when i came across these 3 interesting photographs. i just found it hard to believe that the ashes of the great mahatma gandhi were brought to singapore from new delhi via ipoh on a cathay pacific flight to be scattered in the sea off connaught drive.

prior to that, it was on public display for a week at the victoria memorial hall. on the first day, it was up for viewing up to midnight. on subsequent days, viewing stopped at 9.00 p.m. representatives from the main religious groups like hinduism, christianity, buddhism and sikkhism offered prayers. the muslim community offered prayers in their mosques.

on the day, the ashes were to be scattered, large crowds gathered outside clifford pier. rough seas prevented the ashes from being immersed from the big launch which brought them from the shore. the ashes had to be transferred to a smaller marine boat.

The immersion of Gandhi’s ashes was such a powerful symbol that people rushed to drink the waters right from the bay! While most of us would balk at the idea of drinking dirty sea water, the gesture also speaks volumes of the respect and admiration that Gandhi inspired. Read more about this fascinating bit of history from yg’s post.