BABU TANGEWALA
DALLAS, Texas: Hundreds of members flocked to the Gandhi Memorial Plaza October 6 to celebrate the 150 birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi organized by the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial of North Texas (MGMNT) in Irving (Dallas), Texas.
Texas State Governor Greg Abbott was the chief guest of honor. Irving City Mayor Rick Stopfer, Texas State Representative Julie Johnson, and Deputy Consul General of India Surendra Adhana joined the celebration as Special Guests.
As part of the celebration, Governor Abbott paid floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, and toured the Gandhi Memorial Plaza, the largest Gandhi memorial in the US. The Governor presented a proclamation on behalf of the State of Texas to MGMNT Chairman Dr Prasad Thotakura.
The favorite bhajan of Gandhi “Vaishnava Janatho” was sung by Karthikeya Chavali and AbhiramTadepalli
Rao Kalvala, MGMNT secretary, welcomed the dignitaries and audience to the event. B.N. Rao, MGMNT co-chair touched upon Gandhi’s legacy and principles.
Dr Thotakura, in his remarks, mentioned Gandhi’s philosophy and principles as everlasting all over the world.
“He was an inspirational source for civil right movements in 12 countries. World leaders like Martin Luther King Jr, Nelson Mandela and many more followed Gandhi’s path to achieve their goals. Gandhi stood as a peace icon in the world that influenced 80 different countries to issue about 250 postal stamps bearing his image” he added.
Governor Abbott touched upon the enduring bond between India, Texas, and the Indian-American community, and highlighted the importance of Mahatma Gandhi’s teachings of peace in the modern world.
“As we celebrate the 150th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi’s birth, it is my hope that all who visit this memorial today, tomorrow, and all the years to come will be reminded of his teachings of peace, harmony, nonviolence, and unity,” he said
Deputy Consul General Surendra Adhana praised the vibrant role of the Indian American community and took part in a Gandhi Peace Walk.
Governor Abbott, special guests and the MGMNT team released 15 white doves in the air as a symbol of peace and harmony.
The MGMNT Team distributed white T-shirts and white caps to the community.
