Though Barack Obama's [Images] election as the first black US president partly fulfilled the dream of legendary civil rights campaigner Martin Luther King Jr, the ideal world, envisaged by him and Mahatma Gandhi [Images], was yet to be realised, his son Martin Luther King III said today.

"Both my father and Mahatma Gandhi had struggled to create a world free from poverty, racism and militarism," he said, while delivering an address at the Gandhi Bhavan.

Some aspects of their dreams had been realised but much what they campaigned for through non-violent methods were yet
to be achieved, King III, now on a tour to the country to commemorate his father's visit to India 50 years ago, said.

Referring to terrorism and recalling the 26/11 Mumbai [Images] attack, he called upon leaders of all religions to make a combined effort to root out the menace "as compassion, peace and universal love were the fundamental principles of all religions".

"Religious leaders in India must come together and work for peace by bridging all communities. The ideals of non-violence and compassion are not exclusive to any particular community or nation. It is applicable to all nations at all times," he said.
Recalling his father's "pilgrimage" to the land of Gandhi, he said the Mahatma's message would be felt throughout humanity's existence.