IRVING, TX: On October 2, the 145th Birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, Irving City marked its page in American history by a formal launch of Mahatma Gandhi Memorial of North Texas (MGMNT).
The Memorial is the culmination of a four year effort to recognize the efforts of Mahatma Gandhi and others for peace. It is a great collaboration between the Indian American Friendship Council (IAFC) India Association of North Texas (IANT) and the city of Irving.
This memorial will be a prominent landmark, great pride and honor for the community at large, and will be an inspiration for the coming generations. Mahatma Gandhi Memorial is Dallas Fort Worth community’s investment and asset that symbolizes pride and respect for Mahatma. The plaza is situated in an 18-acre park with lush green lawns and waterfront serene environment
In spite of heavy rain and thunderstorms hundreds from the local community and several guests and dignitaries from around the world attended the ceremony of grand unveiling. Satish Dhupelia, the great grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, attended as Chief Guest from South Africa. Several Special Guests namely Rev. Jerome LeDoux, representing Dr Martin Luther King Jr’s family, Mrs Sara, representing US Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, Irving City Mayor Beth Van Duyne, Indian CG P. Harish, Dr. Prasad Gollanapalli, Sevagram , Sabarmathi Ashram, India, graced the occasion.
Among other dignitaries were Mandali Buddha Prasad, Deputy Speaker, Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly, Padma Shri Dr Yarlagadda Lakshmi Prasad, former Member of Parliament, Y. V. Subba Reddy, Member of Parliament from Andhra Pradesh. Amidst thunderous applause, Chief Guest Satish Dhupelia unveiled the “Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Plaza” to showcase it to the world.
People appreciated MGMNT leaders as Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Plaza stands tall among all memorials in the USA. The memorial has 7-ft bronze statue based on 6-ft pedestal, elaborate inscriptions, elegant granite panels, stone walls, LED lighting, engraved Gandhi’s quotations, as well as quotations of world leaders like Martin Luther King Jr, Nelson Mandela, Albert Einstein and President Obama.
The sculptor Burra Varaprasad and co-sculptor K. Prasada Rao specially came from Andhra Pradesh to participate in the celebrations. Taiyab Kundawala, Co-chair, MGMNT paid handsome tributes to the leadership quality of Dr Prasad Thotakura, the Chairman of the Project and the MGMNT team. In his remarks Thotukara, appreciated the whole hearted support of the community.
Rao Kalvala mentioned that the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial will be a prominent landmark and it symbolizes DFW community’s pride and respect for the Mahatma. Satish Dhupelia said the statue is so lively; inscriptions are so motivational that “MGMNT’s vision will be an inspiration to all generations.”
Mrs Swati Shah, Co-chair, gave the vote of thanks and appreciated the city, volunteers, sponsors, community and guests for their active participation.
MGMNT hosted an appreciation Banquet the next day and it was attended by more than 400 people including sponsors, supporters and guests.
Mrs Swathi Shah, MGMNT Co-Chair, welcomed the guests and invited MCs Mrs Shabnam Modgil and Mrs Rajeswari Udayagiri to start the program.
The program started with US and Indian National Anthems. Dr. Prasad Thotakura said, “This is not an Indian American project but a global project since Gandhi belongs to the whole world. Our committee comprises all faiths like Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Buddhist, Sikh, Jain etc., and all colors like Whites, Blacks, Hispanics, Jewish etc”.
Rao Kalvala elaborated project details of the last four years and expressed that the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial symbolizing pride and respect for the Mahatma, will be an inspiration for the coming generations. He thanked MGMNT team members and volunteers.
Guest Speaker Dr Prasad Gollanapalli representing Sevagram, Sabarmathi, India explained the real Gandhian philosophy. The program concluded by appreciating all the sponsors. A special honor was given to prime sponsors like Mrs Kalpana & Mr Ramesh Bhatia, Mrs Indira & Dr Om Singla, Mr Trammell Crow, Dr Chandra & Mr Hirabhai Patel, FunAsiA, Dr Geetha & Mr Paul Pandian.
Chairman Dr Prasad Thotakura was felicitated with the presentation of “Jewel of India” award with a 4 foot tall elegant crystal memento for leadership in realizing the long cherished dream of the community.
“Gandhi Peace Walk” was held on October 4 at Gandhi Memorial Plaza, Thomas Jefferson Park. The event was attended by hundreds of enthusiastic peace lovers. Mrs Swati Shah, Co-Chair, MGMNT welcomed the gathering and gave detailed instructions before the launch of the peace walk.
Mayor Beth Van Duyne attended and welcomed the crowd to participate in the walk. Satish Dhupelia led the walk while walkers carried US, India, Texas flags besides placards with Gandhiji’s quotations.
Dr Prasad Thotakura, Chair-MGMNT, announced “from now on every year on October 2, MGMNT comprising IANT and IAFC leaders would host peace walk in this park.” He encouraged people to participate in large numbers and walk every day for healthy living.
Dr Prasad Gollanapalli, Saryodaya leader motivated people and urged them to learn more about Gandhi.
MGMNT Steering committee consists of – Chairman Dr. Prasad Thotakura, Co-Chair – Taiyab Kundawala, Co-Chair – Mrs. Swati Shah, Secretary – Rao Kalvala, Treasurer – Mr. Dilip Patel. Board of Directors: Mrs. Shabnam Modgil, Mr. Piyush Patel, Mr. Jack Godhwani and Mr. Paul Pandian. Fundraising Chairs: Mr. John Hammond, Sudhir Parikh, Dr.
Srinivas Potluri and Kuntesh Chokshi Advisory Board: A.K. Mago, Amir Rupani, MVL Prasad, Mrs. Marqueax Price, Prof. Caroline Brettell, C.C Theophine, Ms. Pauline Medrano, Dr. Om Singla, Mr. Trammell Crow, Bhatia and Ms. Cindy Schwartz.
India Post News Service
