Consulate General of India in Chicago Celebrate Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti

 

The Consulate General of India in Chicago celebrated the 146th birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, at its premises on Friday 2nd October, 2015.

Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, Consul General said that Mahatma Gandhi was trans-national in the range of his influences and in the reach of his thoughts and that there is hardly any country in the world where his ideals are not inspiring people. “This is evidenced by the installation of his statues in the US, Germany, Australia, and in many other countries”, he added.

Sayeed stated that for his ideas of Compassion, Non-violence, Supreme Humanism,Satyagraha (holding onto truth), Swadeshi (preference to domestic products), Universal Brotherhood, Upliftment of All, and, above all, his unparalleled role in India’s freedom movement, he is often named not only among the most important persons of the century but also that of the Millennium.

“The Gandhian ideals will remain more relevant in future than they have been in the past. His philosophy will be greatly instrumental in making this world a happier place to live for coming generations”, stated Sayeed.

He invited attention of the audience to Mahatma Gandhi’s own words: “You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty”.

“We live in the fond hope of a better world. No one better exemplified this than Mahatma Gandhi himself, and on the auspicious occasion, dedicated to celebrate his life, let us take time to

reflect and move ahead seeking this reality”, urged Sayeed.

He added that Prime Minister Narender Modi’s deep commitment to Gandhian ideals, reflected in an array of his initiatives, including “Clean India”, “Make in India”, etc., will further accelerate India’s growth trajectory and empower it to emerge as one of the front-ranking countries of the world.

OP Meena, Consul at the Consulate General, welcomed the guests and conducted the proceedings of the program.

Meena said that Gandhian philosophy of non-violence, peace, and communal harmony has become a source of inspiration in the contemporary world which is characterized by terrorism, conflict, and apartheid. “The wisdom of his philosophy, which is in a perpetual state of reinvention, will continue to be a beacon of light for the younger generations in India and across the globe”, he added.

Dr. Ghousia Sultana, an eminent Indian-American of Hyderabad origin, paid rich poetic tributes to Mahatma Gandhi.

The celebrations included Power Point Presentation on Mahatma Gandhi by Dr. Sri Ram Sonti, Peace Harmony Musical Concert by Saraswathi Rangnathan and Dhananjay Kunte, and Screening of Documentaries on Mahatma Gandhi by Arun Har Prasad. The visuals of the photos of Mahatma Gandhi, drawn by Arvindbhai, were also displayed in the hall.

 

The solemn occasion was attended by a large number of distinguished Indian- Americans, from different walks of life, along with their families and friends.