CHICAGO: Smita Shah, a front ranking Indian American woman leader and a community activist, did it again – the fourth time in row in the past as many years – celebrating Gandhi Legacy in a grand manner in league with Delhi Committee of Sister Cities International Program and World Business of Chicago and the Chicago Mayor’s office.
The program also got big support from the UIC School of Medicine and the Indian Consulate in Chicago.
The event held at the UIC School of Medicine in Chicago Downtown was attended by you name it of Chicago elite, community leaders , the Mayor of Chicago Rahm Emanuel and the Indian Consul General Ms Neeta Bhushan. Giving an aura of rich Indian culture was the playing of Sitar by Indian artist Sarswati Devi accompanied by renowned Tabla player Dhananjay
In her welcome address, Smita Shah, who heads the Delhi committee, talked about growing influence of Gandhian thoughts not only in politics but also in Science and Technology. She talked about Albert Einstein and his thoughts about non-violence and his concern about nuclear weapons which were then in the development stage. She also recognized another Gandhian contemporary Rabindranath Tagore, first Nobel laureate not only from India but from all of Asia.
Tagore decided to send his son to University of Illinois to study Agricultural Science. Asked by reporters, why he did not send his son to Oxford or Cambridge, Tagore responded in a Gandhian way: “I would like my son to return home and help poor farmers of Bengal.”
Smita Shah touched upon how the other world leaders like Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King Jr. – both Nobel Laureates – were deeply influenced by Gandhian philosophy of non-violence and peace.
She praised Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel for his consistent support and help for spreading Gandhi thoughts here.
The Chicago Mayor has been one of the most influential and powerful leaders in this country. Not only did he work in the Clinton White House but was also the Chief of Staff to President Obama. He was a big help in starting the Gandhi legacy celebration with support from his office – one of the first senior leaders in the USA to do so .
Mayor Rahm Emanuel in his address lauded Gandhian influence and also the contribution of Indian Americans in the US. He also mentioned about the all pervasive American society and its basic tenet of all inclusiveness. Indian Consul General Neeta Bhushan eloquently talked about the growing importance of Gandhi in the world and how his philosophy of peace and non violence gets more and more relevance in the strife torn world today
Mayor Rahm Emanuel was presented with a Plaque depicting Moghul time Mayurasan by Pratima Shah and a replica of a watch that Gandhiji used wherever he travelled in the world. A delicious lunch was served at the meet.
Ramesh Soparawala
India Post News Service
