DALLAS, TX: Indian community members of Dallas / Fort Worth from all age groups along with Board of Director members of Mahatma Gandhi Memorial of North Texas (MGMNT) participated actively in India’s 67th Republic Day celebrations at Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Plaza in Irving on January 26.
Welcoming participants, Rao Kalvala, Secretary, MGMNT, said that Gandhi Memorial became the landmark for the Indian-American community to celebrate annual events like India’s Republic Day, India’s Independence Day, Mahatma Gandhi Birthday, International Day of Yoga etc and it was important to spread Gandhi’s message of peace and non violence across the globe.
Dr. Prasad Thotakura, Chairman MGMNT, hoisted the tricolor flag in the midst of applause and jubilant mood of the gathering. He emphasized Gandhi’s value foundations of society – Truth, Nonviolence, Love, Compassion and Equality and requested all to strive for a better society where everyone is treated equally and respected mutually.
He mentioned that Republic Day honors the date on which the Constitution of India came into force. Though India obtained its independence through tireless efforts of our Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi on August 15, 1947, it took more than two and half years to have a permanent constitution.
“After many deliberations and some modifications, the 308 members of the Assembly signed two hand-written copies of the document one each in Hindi and English on January 24, 1950. Two days later, on January 26, it came into effect throughout India completing the country’s transition towards becoming an independent republic.”
Mrs. Indu Reddy Mandadi, India Association of North Texas (IANT) President, in her remarks stated that IANT has been serving the community for decades. She appreciated the efforts of MGMNT team for having the remarkable Gandhi Memorial in the heart of the city.
Taiyab Kundawala, Co-chairman of the MGMNT, said that this Mahatma Gandhi memorial, the largest Gandhi memorial in the US, has a greater significance to the current and future generations. John Hammond, MGMNT Board of Director, conveyed his Republic Day greetings and thanked the volunteers for their help and support in making the event successful.
MGMNT leaders Dr Prasad Thotakura, Rao Kalvala, Taiyab Kundawala, Mrs Indu Mandadi, Mrs Shabnam Modgil, Jack Godhwani, Kuntesh Chokshi, Kamal Kaushal and John Hammond participated in the celebrations.
Babu Tangewala
