Kolkata, Oct 2 (IANS): Asserting that the country cannot afford hatred in the name of politics, the Archbishop of Kolkata Thomas D'Souza on Thursday called upon political leaders to follow footsteps of Mahatma Gandhi.

"In the name of politics the country cannot afford spread of hatred. The country's leadership always has to be compassionate towards the needs of the poor, and endeavour towards serving mankind.

"Gandhiji has left an indelible mark and his principles of non-violence and truth continue to be relevant. He gave us a different kind of leadership where human beings were most important. He always endeavoured for the welfare of the needy and the poor," he said, adding today's leaders need to follow the footsteps of Mahatma and spread love and compassion and not hatred.

Organising a 'National Day of Prayer' on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, at the St. John's Church here, the diocese of Calcutta also felicitated members of security forces including Border Security Force (BSF) Inspector General S. Salunke.

People need to recognise the sacrifices made by the armed forces in securing the borders of the country, it said.