US diplomat praises Mahatma, Luther King

Madurai: Highlighting Mahatma Gandhi`s influence on American civil rights activist Dr Martin Luther King Jr, a US diplomat today said India and US must carry on the goals of the two votaries of non-violence to work towards equal opportunity for all citizens.

"India and US must carry on the goals of Gandhiji and Dr.King to work towards equal opportunity for all citizens, regardless of race, colour, creed or gender...We owe it to our forefathers and we to our grandchildren," US Consul General Jennifer A Mcintyre said here.

Addressing students of Fathima College here, she said although the two great figures never actually met, Gandhiji?s teachings and philosophy, particularly the doctrines of non-violent resistance, service to the community and social justice were a huge influence on Dr King and through him on the civil rights movement in America. Earlier, the Consul General visited the Gandhi Memorial Museum here.