GANDHI FOUNDATION OF USA (GFUSA) CELEBRATES 240th INDEPENDENCE DAY OF USA

By Ravi R Ponangi
Atlanta, GA: The Gandhi Foundation of USA (GFUSA) celebrated the 240th Independence Day of United States of America with patriotic fervor in front of the statue of Mahatma Gandhi at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site here on July4.
Chief guest Swami Adhyatmanandaji, President of the Sivananda Ashram, Ahmedabad kicked off the celebration by rendering Bapuji’s favorite song “Vaishnava Janato”. Then dignitaries present, Mr. D.V. Sing from the consulate General of India in Atlanta, Greg Pridgeon, former public official of city of Atlanta, Pujya Swami Adhyatmanandaji and Pujya Swami Yatidharmanandaji from India paid rich tributes, reverence and homage to Mahatma Gandhi at his statue, and forefathers of America, who have given up their lives for the freedom of the country.

(Swami Adhyatmananda and Swami Yatidharmananda garlanding the Mahatma Gandhi statue along with Consul D.V. Singh and Greg Pridgeon. Other seen are Subash Razdan and Antony Thaliath of GFUSA)

Addressing an impressive gathering at Mahatma Gandhi statue, Pujya Swami Adhyatmanandaji in his brief message said: As we are celebrating the July 4th today, we must look back to 1776, when in Philadelphia, Ferguson drafted a letter to the king of the Britain seeking independence to the country. He was aware of fact that it was difficult. But now you are enjoying the fruits of that effort; You have fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, fairs, picnics, concerts, baseball games, family reunions and colorful cloths, but don’t forget our ancestors , who had sacrificed their lives for our freedom. We must salute them. Here we are standing at the feet of Pujya Bapu Mahatma Gandhi and at the door step of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. historical site. These great leaders stood for nonviolence, purity, character, unity. While we rejoice the fruits of freedom, we should not forget the sacrifices of these leaders.
Swami Yatidharmanandaji, Mr. D.V. Singh from Consulate General of India in Atlanta, Greg Pridgeon, former public official of Atlanta, Prof. Uma Mujumdar, a researcher on Mahatma Gandhi addressed the gathering.
Dignitaries and attendees participated in a peace walk from the Mahatma Gandhi statue to King crypts and paid homage there.

Earlier, Antony Thaliath, executive director of GFUSA welcomed the gathering. Subash Razdan, chairman of GFUSA proposed a vote of thanks. The event ended with rendering of both American and Indian National Anthems.
American Independence Day is annually celebrated on July 4 and is often known as "the Fourth of July". It is the anniversary of the publication of the declaration of independence from Great Britain in 1776. Patriotic displays and family events are organized throughout the United States. Most cities in the USA celebrate July 4th with parades, carnivals, fairs and concerts ending with spectacular firework displays. Many people display the American flag outside their homes or buildings. Many communities arrange fireworks that are often accompanied by patriotic music.