ATLANTA HONORS GANDHI & SHASTRI ON INTERNATIONAL DAY OF NON-VIOLENCE

By Ravi R Ponangi

Atlanta, GA: On October 2nd, the Atlanta community gathered in a moving tribute to the legacies of Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri, second Prime Minister of India marking the United Nations-designated International Day of Non-Violence. The event took place at the iconic Mahatma Gandhi statue, located at the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site, a symbolic location that honors the shared values of peace, justice, and non-violence between two of the most influential leaders of the 20th century. Organized by the Gandhi Foundation USA (GFUSA) in collaboration with the Consulate General of India in Atlanta, the commemoration attracted a diverse group of community members, leaders, and consular officials. Attendees paid floral tributes to the statue of Gandhi, recognizing his birthday on October 2nd and celebrating his enduring commitment to peace, service, and humility.
The event featured reflections on Gandhi’s philosophy of Ahimsa (non-violence) and Satyagraha (truth-force), alongside a discussion of Shastri’s values of integrity and simplicity. Speakers emphasized the continued relevance of these principles in addressing today’s global challenges, including conflict, inequality, and environmental degradation.

After garlanding of the statue by Consul General Ramesh Babu and other dignitaries, the celebration began around the statue with opening remarks by GFUSA Chairman Subash Razdan. He said that the Gandhi statue was established in 1998 after years of effort, including significant support from Mayor Jackson and the King family. A Gandhi room, functioning as a museum, was setup in Freedom Hall in 1987. The statue is located at the main entrance of the park, symbolizing friendship, fraternity, and homage, attracting over a million tourists annually. The statue was donated by the ICCR and the Embassy of India, sculpted by Ram Sutar from India.

In his remarks, Consul General Ramesh Babu highlighted the profound connection between Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., noting that the Gandhi statue at the King Center is the only one of its kind on federal property in the United States. Babu underscored Gandhi’s pivotal role in India’s struggle for independence and his global influence in promoting non-violent resistance movements, drawing attention to the ongoing importance of his teachings in a world still grappling with violence and division.
The event also featured speeches from community leaders and academics, who shared insights into Gandhi’s timeless teachings and their relevance to contemporary struggles for peace and justice. Gregory A. Mcpherson, new Choir Director at Delaware State University informed of the potential for a future symphony dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, celebrating his legacy through the universal language of music. Dilip Mehra of Heartfulness organization exhorted audience to implement Gandhi's teachings in daily life, rather than just remembering them on his birthday, encouraging daily prayers for universal love, brotherhood, and peace.

Viren Mayani of GFUSA beautifully expressed that GFUSA is selfless and deeply rooted in the spirit of American independence. One of the most inspiring examples is how GFUSA follows in the footsteps of two towering apostles of peace—Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Thanks to the generosity of Coretta Scott King, Gandhi was honored with a room at The King Center, and today, we proudly have a statue of Gandhi on federal property—a symbol of unity, peace, and shared values. He appealed the community to honor and respect those who celebrate Gandhi Jayanti and Dr. King's birthday. These are not just commemorations—they are reminders to keep their flame alive, to uphold the values of peace, justice, and equality they stood for. Let’s continue to celebrate their legacy and ensure that future generations understand the price of freedom and the power of nonviolence.
The celebration culminated with a rendition of two of Gandhi’s favorite bhajans, “Vaishnav Jan To Tene Re Kahiye” and “Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram,” performed by music composer Tejas Chavan followed by the cutting of a traditional birthday cake by Consul General Ramesh Babu and other special guests, including those who share a birthday with the Mahatma.

The day’s festivities not only commemorated the 156th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and the 121st birthday of Lal Bahadur Shastri but also reinforced Atlanta’s commitment to peace, justice, and intercultural harmony. As the event drew to a close, attendees were encouraged to integrate Gandhi’s teachings of love, brotherhood, and non-violence into their daily lives, rather than merely remembering them on his birthday.
The celebration also served as a reminder of the global relevance of Gandhi’s ideals. With October 2nd recognized as the International Day of Non-Violence by the United Nations, the day’s observance in Atlanta was a powerful reaffirmation of the enduring importance of peace, justice, and non-violence in the modern world.

The Indian Consulate in Atlanta led by Consul General Ramesh Babu Lakshmanan, Georgia, also held a special event early in the morning and paid rich tributes at the Gandhi bust at the consulate.
The celebration on October 2nd in Atlanta was a beautiful and meaningful occasion, reflecting the universal principles that Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri stood for. The fact that the event was held at the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site, where the Gandhi statue stands, adds another layer of significance, given the shared values between Gandhi and Dr. King—especially their commitment to non-violence, justice, and peace.
It’s incredible to see how this celebration connected not only with the Indian community but with people from all walks of life, reaffirming the relevance of Gandhi’s teachings in today’s world. His values of non-violence, truth, and peace are more critical than ever, especially in the context of modern global challenges like war, inequality, and environmental destruction. The event’s emphasis on applying Gandhi’s teachings in daily life, rather than just commemorating them on a single day, really speaks to the enduring power of his message.
Mahatma Gandhi, a visionary leader who not only played a pivotal role in India's independence movement but also left an indelible mark on global history. While it is a national holiday in India, Gandhi Jayanti is increasingly observed worldwide — and with good reason. The celebration of this day beyond Indian borders reflects the universal relevance of Gandhi’s philosophy, the influence of the Indian diaspora, and the global need for peace, non-violence, and justice.
The UN’s designation of October 2nd as the International Day of Non-Violence highlights the universal relevance of Gandhi’s ideals. It encourages countries worldwide to reflect on how non-violence can address modern global challenges.
Gandhi Jayanti, celebrated on October 2nd, marks the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, one of the most influential leaders in modern history. While it is an official national holiday in India, it is also observed abroad for several significant reasons.
Mahatma Gandhi’s importance and relevance in today’s world affairs remain profound and strikingly relevant. While the world has changed significantly since Gandhi’s time, his philosophy of non-violence (Ahimsa), truth (Satya), and simple living continues to inspire social and political movements worldwide. Here’s how Gandhi’s principles are still highly significant in today’s global context.

The event was not just a celebration but also a reaffirmation of how Gandhi’s principles continue to inspire and shape communities worldwide. His legacy lives on in more ways than one, from social movements to educational endeavors and even in cultural expressions like music.
The Gandhi Foundation USA (GFUSA) is dedicated to promoting the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through education, dialogue, and community engagement. With a mission to share the principles of non-violence, truth, and peace, the foundation works to inspire people across the United States and beyond to apply Gandhi’s teachings to modern-day challenges.

Kindly click the link below to see photos of the Gandhi Jayanti:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/HLQBhjzeZBBzjxHv8
Kindly click the link below to watch 157th Birthday Anniversary Celebration of Mahatma Gandhi at Gandhi statue in King Center by Gandhi Foundation of USA (GFUSA Atlanta):
https://youtu.be/YRPmR6yS1lM?si=gtzsojp7Z4GaVT5P