Modi unveils Gandhi bust in Seoul, invokes his ideals to fight terror

"Terrorism and climate change are the two biggest challenges mankind is facing now. If we look at the life of Gandhi, we can find solutions to both these problems. Gandhi used to say that the almighty and the bountiful nature have given everything to fulfil a human being's need, but not the greed," Modi, on a two-day state visit to South Korea, told a gathering.

Expressing his concerns over the surge in terrorist activities, Modi advised people to look at Gandhi's message of unity, human values and non-violence to succeed in the fight against terrorism.

"During Mahatma Gandhi's lifetime there was no discussion about climate change and environment, but the statesman led such a life that he did not leave any carbon footprint. He showed what living in harmony with nature is. He showed that it is important to leave a clean and green planet for the future generations," Modi said.

The Prime Minister said that Gandhi was perhaps mankind's biggest gift in the 20th century. "In the last century, through his life and personality, he showed what the future would be. He in fact used to say 'my life is the message,'" Modi said.

"This occasion assumes greater significance since we are celebrating the 150th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and the world is finding in Gandhi's principles a future for mankind's interests," Modi said.

Addressing the gathering after Modi, former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said he was honoured to be a part of the celebrations to mark Gandhi's 150th birth anniversary.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in and First Lady Kim Jung-sook were present on the occasion.

Modi is on a two-day state visit to South Korea to accept the Seoul Peace Prize. He also addressed the India-Korea Business Symposium on Thursday.