America
Chicago consulate celebrates Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti
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
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 generationsâ€, 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 dirtyâ€.
“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 realityâ€, 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
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
Dr. Ghousia Sultana, an eminent Indian-American of
The celebrations included Power Point Presentation on Mahatma Gandhi by Dr. Sri Ram Sonti, Peace Harmony Musical Concert bySaraswathi 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.
Photographs and Press release by: Asian Media USA