ATLANTA COMMUNITY CELEBRATES
150TH BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF MAHATMA
GANDHI WITH GREAT LOVE AND DEVOTION
By Ravi R Ponangi
Atlanta, GA: Atlanta community joined in large number in the celebrations of
Mahatma Gandhi’s 150th birth anniversary, Gandhi Jayanti hosted by the
Gandhi Foundation of USA (GFUSA) and Indian Consulate, Southeast in Atlanta
that was held on Wednesday, October2. 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma
Gandhi was celebrated in three parts. One in the morning at consulate, the
second at The Gandhi statue located in Dr. Martin Luther King jr.,
Historical site in down town, Atlanta and the commemoration celebration of
Gandhi at Knowles Conference Center, College of law, Georgia state
University.
 |
(L to R) Shailesh Lakhtakia, Pujya Swami Ji and CGI Dr Swati
Kulkarni |
Pujya Swami Adhyatmananda from India who is not only a staunch believer and
follower of Mahatma Gandhi’s principles but also experienced the touch of Bapuji
whose grandparents were companions of Mahatma Gandhi in Dandi march, Isaac
Farris Jr. nephew of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and Dr. Swati Kulkarni, Consul
General of India in Atlanta graced the Gandhi Jayanti celebrations and shared
their wisdom words. 150th Birth Anniversary celebrations of Mahatma Gandhi in
Atlanta included all religion prayers, paying rich floral tributes and
garlanding with natural flowers at newly installed Gandhi bust and at Gandhi
statue in King Center, Peace walk from Gandhi statue to Kings crypts, singing of
Gandhi’s favorite bhajans, patriotic songs and a unique theatrical presentation
“ Gandhi to Mahatma” by Dhoop Chaoon, Hindi theatre group, Atlanta.

In the simple and solemn function that was held in the morning at Consulate, Dr.
Swati Kulkarni, CGI Atlanta, Pujya Swami Adhyatmananda Ji, the chief guest of
150th Birth Anniversary celebrations of Mahatma Gandhi in Atlanta and
representatives of various community organizations paid rich floral tributes in
prayerful mood to the “father of the nation” at the newly unveiled bust of
Mahatma Gandhi in front of the consulate premises. For the last few years the
whole world observes October 2 not only as Gandhi’s birthday but also as
International Day of Non-Violence, the ideal that Gandhi fought for throughout
his life.

In the evening, dignitaries and community members of diverse cultures gathered
around a life-size bronze statue of Gandhiji at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,
Historical site. Guest of honors Pujya Swami Adhyatmananda Ji, Dr. Swati
Kulkarni, CGI Atlanta, Isaac Farris Jr. garlanded the statue with fresh flower
garlands followed by the peace walk in silence to Kings Crypts by the community.
Then the gathering moved to the commemoration of Gandhi that was held at Knowles
Conference Center, College of law, Georgia state University.
 |
Isaac Farris, CGI Swati Kulkarni and Pujya Swami Ji paid respects to
Dr. King andhis wife Dr. Koretta Scott King at their crypts |
In four-hour long program at Knowles Conference Center, College of law,
Georgia state University, Revered Swamiji conducted all religion prayer and
addressed the gathering. He said “We need Gandhiji, not only in India but around
the globe. Unfortunately, we are losing the values and value-based educations.
No plane can fly without 2 wings as well as wheels to run on runway for takeoff
and landing. With Truth and Non-violence supported by loyalty towards the nation
and backed by a sincere prayer only, we can live the life of peace and
integrity. Parents of Gandhiji Res. Mother Putalibai, father Karamchand, chest
wife and life- long partner Kasturba, they all need applause because of making
Gandhiji life sublime.

Today there is also a Happy Birthday of Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri, Shri
Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King (Jr), they all lived for the nation or
community. There was no selfish motive and because of that only, they are adored
after so many years. Before going to the UK for higher education Gandhi was
given vow by his mother. “No meat, woman or wine” midst of in all temptation
Gandhi stuck to these vows. Because he had a high aim in his life. Years will
roll Gandhiji would be known as incarnate divinity. In case we need peace,
harmony, love, no-hate, non-violence… we need Gandhi… Now and forever…"

In his address, Isaac Farris Jr. nephew of Dr. King and past President and
CEO of the King Center said “the Atlanta Indian American community and the King
Center working together for many years to pay homage and respect to the great
Mahatma. This is especially appropriate because Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther
king jr. are the twin giants of non-violent liberation in the modern era of
human existence. while the two men never met there is a spiritual bond between
the two.
 |
Episode of Dandi March where police beating satyagrahis in the drama
Gandhi to Mahatma |
This is the case even though my uncle was a Christian and the Mahatma
was a Hindu but both men were militant ecumenicists who believed that all
religions had something valuable to contribute to making our world more just and
humane. He informed that if not for Mahatma Gandhi’s courageous example America
might still be mired in dehumanizing legal racial segregation. It was the method
of non-violent resistance pioneered by the Mahatma and adopted by Martin Luther
King jr. that transformed America into a true human democracy. As my uncle said
on one occasion “India’s Gandhi was the guiding light of our technique for
non-violent social change and to this day his guiding light remains a bright
beacon of hope for freedom and justice loving people of every nation”.

My aunt, King Center founder Coretta Scott King traveled to India on 3
occasions to meet with disciples of Gandhi. Her commitment to promoting the
teachings of the Mahatma included the establishment of the Gandhi room in the
King Center’s freedom hall building and the approval of placing the stature of
Mahatma Gandhi at the entrance of the king historic district park where it
greets all visitors who come. Today we appropriately commemorate Mahatma
Gandhi’s remarkable life and legacy of service as well as his creative
development of non-violence, both as a philosophy and a method for achieving
freedom and self-determination for India. As we celebrate his historic
contributions and the burning urgency of his still vibrant message for humanity
our challenge is to emulate his spirit and follow his teachings.

Mahatma Gandhi’s teachings have been emulated by freedom movements all over
the world. A world that has been awakened to the power of his teachings as a
means for winning freedom and justice through peaceful resistance. So, on this
150th birthday anniversary of his great irreplaceable life, let us resolve here
and now that we will continue to teach the non-violent philosophy he pioneered
and Martin Luther King Jr. adopted to new generations so they will have the
tools to create a more loving and compassionate world. let us enkindle in their
hearts a flame of commitment to non-violence and a glowing vision of unity. with
this faith and this commitment, we will be able to create a world where all
humankind can live together in freedom, justice, tolerance, and peace.”
 |
Book 'Designing Destiny' released on the occasion |
Speaking on the occasion, Consul General of India (CGI) in Atlanta Dr. Swati
Kulkarni said celebrating 150th birth anniversary is very important for us. We
are also celebrating the birth day of Lal Bahadur Shastri and Kasturba. Further
the CGI informed that we are also celebrating this year 90th birth anniversary
of Dr. King, 60th anniversary of Dr. King’s visit to India and 550th birth
anniversary of Guru Nanakdev. We celebrate these mile stones with a purpose as
they remind us about their lives, about their teachings and principles. They
never die. They live forever. That’s why we assemble. We drive and tell
everybody how their life, what exactly their teachings are? She told audience
celebrating great lives like Gandhi gives courage for us to work hard and face
the challenges in life.
 |
Newly unveiled bust of Mahatma Gandhi in front of the Indian
consulate in Atlanta |
She further said each and every part of Indian experience be it a domestic
policy, foreign policy, development, diplomacy, smart villages, Global village
everywhere we will find Gandhi’s influence. All programs initiated by Government
of India have somehow or other Gandhian principle are involved in it. CGI sought
the community’s support in the passing of the bill, “Gandhi – King Scholarly
Exchange Program” introduced by the Congressman from Georgia Rep. John Lewis. He
introduced a bill that authorizes the Secretary of State to initiate a
Gandhi-King Scholarly Exchange Program that will foster the ideals of
non-violence and peaceful social transformation. CGI informed that passing of
this bill in US Congress help us making our young people aware of peace and
Nonviolence.
Besides national anthems of India and United states, favorite bhajans of
Mahatma Gandhi and patriotic songs, a marvellous and unique play “Gandhi to
Mahatma” was presented on the occasion. It was liked, appreciated and
commended by everyone attended. Very successful presentation beyond
expectation. Every artist participated in the drama did a fantastic job in
dialogue delivery. “From Gandhi to Mahatma” is a short play that walked
through the period of Mahatma Gandhi’s life time from 1869 – 1948. The drama
is a depiction of episodes and happenings from Gandhi’s life. The play
presented various aspects of Gandhi’s life, inclusive of his philosophy,
Satyagraha, celibacy, Swadeshi movement religious beliefs, respect for
another even in the midst of adversity etc.,
Earlier Antony Thaliath, executive director of GFUSA welcomed the gathering.
Subash Razdan, chairman of Gandhi foundation conducted the proceedings of
the celebration. 150th Birth Anniversary celebrations of Mahatma Gandhi in
Atlanta concluded with cake cutting followed by sumptuous dinner.
'
Oct-20-2019