BY MAHADEV DESAI 

Like five fingers forming a strong fist, five leading organizations; the National Federation of Indian American Associations (NFIA); India American Cultural Association, (IACA); the Hindu Temple of Atlanta; the Gujarati Samaj of Atlanta and the Jain Society of Greater Atlanta lent their solid support to the Gandhi Foundation of USA (GFUSA) in celebrating the 136th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi in the Martin Luther King Jr., National Historic District. And to invigorate this gesture of togetherness were supporting organizations; Senior Citizens Inc.; Victory over Violence International Campaign; Georgia Indian American Republican Council, together with International Farmers Market, Georgia and other supporting individuals. The joyous celebrations began on crisp, sunny morning of Saturday, October 1, at the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site Visitors Center and continued at the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church. This year’s inspiring, moving and memorable event was even more special as it was graced by the newly appointed India’s Consul General; the Honorable Consul General in Houston, S.M.Gavai. Most significant was the striking participation of the African-American community and the young generation. 

After the guests were seated next to the Statue, composed and confident Master and Mistress of Ceremonies, GFUSA Board members, Viren Mayani and Vinita Thaper welcomed all. Petite Krishna Shah (daughter of Ms.Minal Shah-Jain Society) in her sweet voice recited “aum namo arihantanam’, the best known namokar mantra of the Jains.

Hon. Gavai, flanked by the attendees in their colorful Indian attire and cheerful school children in their smart uniforms, lighted the traditional (diya) lamp and garlanded the resplendent Gandhi Statue. GFUSA Assistant Executive Director and Gandhi Center USA Director of Operations, H.V.Shivadas led the audience in singing Gandhiji’s favorite bhajan “Raghupati Raghava”. In his brief speech, the soft-spoken Consul General, Honorable Gavai remarked that both Gandhi and Dr. King were not only great men but were ideals. Complimenting the GFUSA, he said that the Statue establishes a very visible link between the two great world icons, which touched souls of millions around the world. He referred to the recent natural disasters-Tsunami, Katrina and Rita, which wreaked unimaginable havoc and of how India rose to the occasion every time and contributed its help on each occasion, exemplifying the legacy of compassionate care of Gandhiji and Dr. King.

Consul General Gavai then led the audience in a Peace March through the King Center to the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church where the main program was staged.

At the Ebenezer, where Dr. King preached, H.V. Shivadas, once again led the audience into singing Let there be Peace on Earth carrying a message of unity through diversity. Shivadas introduced Dan Sanborn, who is a teacher in Dallas, Georgia for the Department of Juvenile Justice, who will be working with the Gandhi Foundation of USA in non violent conflict resolution programs for troubled school children. The Deputy Executive Director, GFUSA, Antony Thaliath welcomed the gathering. He also made an appeal for donations for the proposed Gandhi Center, USA, creating a “Triangle of Peace” in the MLK National Historic District, which would include the King Center, the Carter Center and the Gandhi Center

Guest speaker, Frank Catroppa, of the National Park Service and Superintendent of the Martin Luther King, National Historic Site, alluded to the Let there be Peace on Earth song, and said “Like Gandhi and Dr. King, we must strive for peace on earth. You have to believe in yourself. One person can make a difference. Both Gandhi and Dr. King proved that.”

NFIA President, Dr.Rajan Anand, who served in the Clinton administration as Executive Director of the Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion at the Department of Agriculture began by thanking the GFUSA and the NFIA’s past and present officials who had traveled from all over the nation to participate in the Gandhi’s Birthday celebrations. Gandhi’s core philosophy was non-violence. But to Gandhi, non-violence was not mere absence of violence, but non-violence coupled with absence of hatred, and absence of any thoughts of retaliation, or revenge, for he had said, “An eye for an eye would only make the whole world blind.” To Gandhi, secularism meant respect for all religions. His secularism came to represent the confluence of several religions-a policy of sarva-dharma-sambhava (goodwill and tolerance towards all). Gandhi went even further-respect for all human beings. When asked, “Are you a Hindu?” he had replied,” Yes, I am a Hindu, but I am also a Muslim, I am also a Buddhist, I am also a Christian and I am also a Jew.” He wanted Hindus and Muslims to live together in peace and harmony. During the horrific, pre-partition carnage between Hindus and Muslims, a distraught father whose son had been killed by Muslims, was advised by Gandhi, not to resort to violence, but to adopt a Muslim orphan and raise him as a Muslim!. 

In her thoughtful speech, Ms. Minal Shah, a practicing Jain, spoke about Shrimad Rajchandrabhai, a friend, philosopher and guide who instilled in Gandhi a strong sense of reverence for all living beings including animals. Jain philosophy had a huge impact on Gandhi’s world view. Ahimsa (non-violence) is compassion, understanding, truth, tolerance and non-aggression. She described it as something to be practiced in daily life, in one’s thoughts, actions and non-actions. Gandhiji was a true embodiment of ahimsa.

Subash Razdan, the Founding member and currently the acting Chairman of the GFUSA, thanked the NFIA representatives for attending the program and then introduced the special guest, the Honorable Consul General, S.M.Gavai. Hon. Gavai, born in Pune, Maharashtra has a highly impressive track record of service in the Indian Foreign Service. He served as High Commissioner, Maldives before joining the Houston Cosulate. 

The Consul-General echoed Frank Catroppa’s remarks that individuals can make a difference. He said he was heartened to see many youngsters in the audience and complimented GFUSA for inspiring the young generation, who would keep the legacy of Gandhi and Dr. King alive. He congratulated GFUSA for organizing Gandhi’s birthday celebrations in the Martin Luther King, Jr.,National Historic District. 

As a jubilant tribute to Gandhiji, the talented Megan Philkana and Tanya Kasmvis of Ravihri Komanduri School of Dance performed a scintillating classical dance. 

The GFUSA’s annual awards were presented by the Honorable Consul General S.M.Gavai in presence of Community leaders. 

This year, the Gandhi Foundation of USA Service Award was presented to three organizations. NFIA, Kuchipudi Dance Academy and Victory over Violence organization 

Dr. Rajan Anand accepted the Gandhi Foundation of USA Service Award on behalf of the NFIA. He thanked GFUSA for the Award and appealed to the local associations to join the umbrella organization, the NFIA, of which the Gandhi Foundation is also a member.

Ravi and Sasikala Penumarthi accepted the Gandhi Foundation of USA Service Award on behalf of the Kuchipudi Dance Academy, Atlanta. Accepting the Award, Sasikala thanked the GFUSA for giving her Academy an opportunity to stage Chandalika as the first fundraiser for the Gandhi Center USA. She further thanked Padmabhushan Guru Vempati Chinna Satyam, for inspiring her. 

Fred ‘V-man’ Watson accepted the Gandhi Foundation of USA Service Award on behalf of Victory over Violence organization. He thanked the GFUSA, his parents, and all his colleagues who participated in the Civil Rights Movement. “Let’s continue giving our best in memory of Gandhi” he said.

The 2005 Peace Awardee Congressman John Lewis was received by Special Guest, Director, Office of Economic Development , Ms.Gail Webb of Governor’e office. Accepting the Award on his behalf, Gail praised Mr. Lewis as a man of peace and unity. Lewis played a major role in the Civil Rights Movement. Georgia’s Secretary of State Cathy Cox sent a letter conveying her best wishes to the GFUSA and commended Congressman Lewis for his efforts to promote unity, equality and positive change, exemplifying Gandhi’s powerful directive that “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” 

Frank Catroppa accepted a donation from the GFUSA towards the NPS Katrina Relief Fund, and said,” Six National Parks were hit by Katrina and Rita. Four of our employees are currently helping with the recovery efforts in Mississippi and Louisiana. We appreciate and thank you for this gift.” 

In her mellifluous voice, community activist, Neera Behl led the audience in singing the Gandhi Anthem, “Vaishnava Janato’.

In her eloquent address, Dr. Uma Majmudar, a Professor in the religion department of Emory University, who is also a Gandhian scholar, and recent author of her debut book, Gandhi’s pilgrimage of faith: From darkness to light, spoke about Gandhi and his faith. Gandhi was a deeply spiritual and religious man influenced by the thoughts of intellectuals like Thoreau, Emerson, Tolstoy, Tagore and Ruskin. He also had a spiritual mentor in Shrimad Rajchandra, the Jain scholar. Faith according to Gandhi is not something to be grasped, but is an inner quest of the soul. “It must begin with you. Be the change that you wish to see”, Dr. Majmudar concluded. 

Master of Ceremonies Viren Mayani exhorted the leaders of the supporting Organizations who believed in peace, to take the message to their members. He also recognized the attendance of representatives from IPN, Raksha, FIA and Vibha. Subash Razdan took this opportunity to recognize the exemplary initiative of Yogesh Joshi of the IACA in collaborating with the King Center in Gandhi celebrations in 1983. 

Giriraj Rao peppered his words of thanks with quips and light hearted talk. He indulged in a bit of nostalgia-how driving downtown Atlanta on the historic but cold, wintry day of January 24, 1998-the day of installation and dedication of the Gandhi Statue in Atlanta, he felt elated and like comedian Jackie Gleason could not restrain from exclaiming, “How sweet it is.” He went on to profusely thank all the participating organizations, community members, and steadfast members of the GFUSA, whose collective efforts are making the celebrations better and better and better,” and today we have unique honor of newly appointed Consul General attending the program.” He complimented H.V.Shivadas for designing the colorful and artistic program and the new GFUSA Poster, which will serve as the visual representation of the GFUSA for the next decade. The image is titled “ Pillars of Peace, The Inspiration and Legacy of Mahatma Gandhi,” and features a photo of Gandhiji surrounded by photos of those who influenced the development of his philosophy, as well as those who were influenced by his life and legacy and continue his work today.” The GFUSA is seven years old. It stands for unity, respects all religions and faiths and truly follows philosophies of Dr. King and Gandhi in actions, words and activities. I urge the youth to come forward and carry the torch. And finally I seek your support for the Gandhi Center USA” he concluded. 

All the attendees stood up and joined hands in singing the Civil Rights Song, “We shall overcome,” led by H.V.Shivadas. After the ceremonious cutting of Gandhi’s Birthday cake, the congregation was served a delicious lunch catered by Atlanta’s well known South Indian Café.