GANDHIJI’S LINK TO UNITED STATES IS AMAZING, SAYS CGI IN ATLANTA
GANDHI FOUNDATION OF USA CELEBRATES MAHATMA’S JAYANTI


By Ravi R Ponangi

Atlanta, GA: Gandhi Foundation of USA, in association with the King Center, National Park Service, and other organizations celebrated the 146th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi in front of the Gandhi statue in the Martin Luther King, Jr., National Historic Site, here on October 2.
 Consul General of India in Atlanta Nagesh Singh, who was the chief guest, paid floral tributes by garlanding life-size, bronze Statue of Gandhiji. He was flanked by Atlanta city Council Member Kwanza Hall, official from national Park Service and members of the GFUSA.

The Consul General impressed upon the gathering to practice the “Gandhian values” in their day-to-day lives to make the world a better place to live in. He highlighted the philosophy of non-violence of Mahatma Gandhi and its importance in present times. He said Gandhiji’s link to United States is amazing. The whole idea of Satyagraha philosophy of non-violence came from “Letter to a Hindoo” the communication between Taraknath Das of Gadar party in California and Leo Tolstoy. “There are many more links, we all know that Gandhi and King have brought closer. It is very befitting to celebrate Gandhi’s birthday in Atlanta. Gandhi remains relevant event today. He said this is not a mere statue. Every time we come here garland and go home. We may not be able to change the world. But all of us can carry some of the values professed by Gandhi. But some of those values can make this world will be a better place to live in,” he added. Even after 70 years of his assassination his ideas are more powerful. He said Mahatma Gandhi shows us the path. We don’t have to look elsewhere.

Nagesh Singh hoped people continue to follow swatchata (cleanliness) as exercised by Mahatma Gandhi and for him cleanliness is not just for clean environment. He was looking at the emancipation of the downtrodden of our society at that time.
Nagesh Singh also remembered and paid rich tributes to Lal Bahadur Shastri, former Prime Minister of India. Lal Bahadur Shastri, a little big man was shadowed by a towering personality. “It is very difficult to compare Shastri with Gandhi, but Shastri himself defined what India stands for. He led the country during difficult times in 1960s. His slogan of Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan (Hail the soldier, Hail the farmer) became very popular during the war and is remembered even today.” Nagesh Singh added. Lal Bahadur Shastri birthday is also celebrated on October 2 every year. His birthday coincides with that of Mahatma Gandhi.
Atlanta city Council Member Kwanza Hall, Chief of staff to former Atlanta Mayor, Greg Pridgeon and Superintendent of National Park Service, Jude Forte are also addressed the gathering. A host of community leaders and admirers of Mahatma Gandhi are present at the ceremony.

The days proceedings began near the Gandhi statue with a welcome address by Anthony Thaliath, Executive director of USA followed by Subash Razdan, chairman of GFUSA. Razdan spoke about the Atlanta’s Gandhi Jayanti history from 1983 and the support received from Mrs. Coretta Scott King, government and local organizations.
Neera Bhal rendered Gandhi's favorite bhajans Vaishnava Jagato and Raghupati Raghava Rajaram. A traditional Gandhi birthday cake was cut and shared. After the proceedings at Gandhi statue, CGI Nagesh Singh led the gathering in a Peace March to the King Crypts and laid wreaths (bouquets) at the Crypts (remains) of Dr. King and his wife Mrs. Coretta Scott King.
Gandhi Jayanti, October 2 every year has also been the International Day of Non-Violence. The day was brought into being by the United Nations, recognizing the importance of Gandhi’s works and philosophies, and their continuing relevance to people struggling for freedom today.
Peace prayers were held for the lives lost due to drowning in Savannah Ganesh immersion at Tybee Island, Savannah. Nimesh (Lucky) Patel and Darshil Patel were recognized for their bravery in saving lives of others in the tragedy.