The event welcomed over 25 esteemed organizations representing the vibrant tapestry of the Indian diaspora in the New York area. The esteemed Consul General of India in New York, Shri Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, was the guest of honor.

“This evening, we celebrate more than just the arrival of a distinguished diplomat,” said Mahesh Wani, Secretary of the Gandhian Society. “We celebrate an opportunity to bridge cultures and communities, a principle that resonated deeply with Mahatma Gandhi.”

The event highlighted the Gandhian Society’s commitment to inclusion, a cornerstone of Gandhi’s philosophy. It brought together individuals of all ages, genders, and backgrounds, united by their connection to India and its values.

“Our organization fosters a spirit of inclusion,” Wani added. “We have experienced seniors who guide us with their vision, while our younger members translate that vision into action. This mentorship ensures the Society’s sustainability and cultivates future leaders.”

The evening featured a cultural performance that showcased the rich diversity of the Indian-American community.

Dignitaries and Community Leaders Address the Gathering

The event featured remarks from a distinguished group of dignitaries and community leaders:

• Mayors:
  • Mayor Sam Joshi of Edison Township welcomed the Consul General and expressed gratitude to the participating organizations.
  • Mayor John McCormick of Woodbridge Township spoke about the Indian-American community’s valuable contributions to their local communities.
• Business Leaders:
  • Albert Jasani and Dr. Dinesh Patel, owners of Royal Albert Palace and the event’s hosts, extended a warm welcome to all guests and the Consul General. They further offered to host future consulate events benefiting the community.
  • Dr. Sudhir Parikh, chairman of Parikh Worldwide Media, lauded the Gandhian Society’s humanitarian work and pledged his continued support.
• Community Organizations:
  • Kenny Desai, former president of FIA, Bharat Rana, president of FISANA, and Jahanvi Mehta of the Oak Tree Road Business Association offered their greetings to the Consul General.
  • Anil Narang of World Vegan Vision spoke about Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy of veganism and promoting Gandhian values.
  • Upendra Chivukula, chairman of the board of public utilities of NJ, offered his support and that of the state of NJ to the Consul General.

Consul General’s Remarks and Cultural Performances

The Consul General expressed his appreciation to the Gandhian Society for organizing the event and the warm welcome he received. He commended the captivating cultural show featuring Indian classical music, a traditional Mallakhamb performance, a Tabla ensemble, and an Odyssey dance recital. He acknowledged the Indian diaspora’s dedication to both their homeland and their adopted communities while preserving their heritage through culture, values, and traditions.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Mr. Bhadra Butala, founder of the Gandhian Society.

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A virtual meeting was held where Deputy Commissioner of International Affairs Dilip Chauhan introduced and welcomed all the participants. Mr. Nitin Mathuria, representing the Aditya Birla Group (ABG) of companies, presented details about ABG’s global presence and its
commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. He then introduced the Eternal Gandhi Project, an ABG initiative focused on establishing museums worldwide to showcase the life and legacy of Mahatma Gandhi. Mr. Mathuria expressed ABG’s strong interest in partnering with NYC to bring a museum to the city.

The NYC representatives, including Commissioner of Cultural Affairs Laurie Cumbo, Deputy Commissioner of Cultural Affairs Alton Murray, Commissioner for International Affairs Edward Mermelstein, and Deputy Commissioner for International Affairs Dilip Chauhan, were
enthusiastic about the proposal. Deputy Commissioner Murray provided valuable insights into the procedures for establishing such a venture in NYC. Commissioner Cumbo expressed her excitement and offered guidance on potential collaborations with other organizations and city agencies. She also extended an invitation to Mr. Mathuria to visit NYC for further discussions and site visits to similar cultural institutions.
Commissioner Mermelstein highlighted successful past projects where NYC played a facilitating role.

Building on this positive momentum, an in-person meeting is now planned for April 2024 between the Gandhian Society, ABG representatives, and NYC officials. This meeting will focus on developing a concrete action plan for establishing the Gandhi Museum in New York City.

The meeting was attended by Bhadra Butala, founder of Gandhian Society, Mahesh Wani, Secretary of Gandhian Society, Brijesh Kachalia, and Sravan Natakala, directors of Gandhian Society.

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By Rajendra Dichpally (New Jersey, USA)

The 2024 election will essentially be about two points. One will answer every query with ‘Jai Shree Ram’  and the other will say ‘Hey Ram’ to every concern facing the country and the idea of India.

Mahatma Gandhi was the biggest follower of Lord Ram. He started his morning prayer with a Ram Bhajan. He also died with Lord Ram’s name on his lips even as the assassin’s bullets fell him.

The country needs to move away from religion and religious fanatics who are stunting the country’s progress. The Modi-led BJP Government and RSS have for a long time now encashed the name of Lord Ram for political gains. They have relentlessly projected themselves as the sole defenders of Hinduism. Our great country which was built on the sacrifices of many people of different ethnic backgrounds, various faiths, and numerous beliefs can never afford to be called a nation of one religion. This is not the idea of India that was built and nurtured by our founding fathers.

The economy of today’s  India is moving at a moderate 4 percent growth compared to almost 8 percent in 2013. This needs to change if we want India to become a developed country. Jai Shree Ram or continuing to build temples will not help the country and its people.

Unemployment is at a record 7.5 at present and continues to rise. This issue needs immediate attention. The number of unemployed graduates has peaked. This is not good for the society and the country. The nation has to focus on this burning issue. Our country should remember that religious extremism is not going to result in jobs. Fanaticism will only lead to fissures.

The inflation and cost of living are at an all-time high making it very difficult for the middle class and almost impossible for the downtrodden to live a life of dignity. This concern needs to be addressed immediately.

The message of unity, peace, and universal brotherhood has to be conveyed by the top leadership. Unfortunately, this is not happening. The PM has the time to visit all religious places and convey political messages clothed in religious sermons but does not have the inclination or the time to visit Manipur which has been torn asunder by riots. It is clear that for him religion is a mere ruse to gain political advantage while humanity as a value is something he cares two hoots about.  

In stark contrast is the example of  Rahul Gandhi who has been traversing the length and breadth of the country with his powerful message of Unity and universal brotherhood during his historic Bharat Jodo Yatra. This is what a leader needs to do! He should create a fabric of equality and fraternity by reaching out to the ordinary citizen.

The institutions that were built and nurtured are being trampled and compromised. One voice resonates with Jai Shree Ram when such acts are being perpetuated and the other voice meekly utters ‘Hey Ram’ to this colossal destruction of institutions and the idea of India.

Demonetisation destroyed the rural and unorganized economy and there was no major black money recovered. This is despite the Prime Minister saying that he will be accountable and responsible if a humongous amount of cash is not recovered in 6 months. He and his govt failed on this count and should be held responsible for destroying the unorganized rural sector that has collapsed due to the sudden and unplanned implementation of demonetization.

The farmer’s agitation was another issue that was badly handled by the Modi government. Today, the farmers are in great distress due to the lack of minimum price promised by the Government for their produce. No nation can afford to ill-treat and ignore its farmers who are the backbone of any country, especially a rural-based country like India. Taking Lord Ram’s name will not help alleviate the pain and distress of this section of the people.

The handling of the Kashmir issue is another massive failure of the Modi Government. Removing Article 370 without involving the stakeholders (people of Kashmir) is a colossal fiasco for the government and this is reflected in the atmosphere in the valley which has worsened. The election process in several areas has been stalled due to this issue which shows the incompetence and myopic attitude of the Modi Government in not taking the actual stakeholders into confidence before removing Article 370.

The foreign policy of the country has failed. The Chinese have again occupied huge tracts of land at our borders. Even a BJP MP – Subramanium Swamy acknowledges that this is a fact, yet we never hear the Prime Minister say a word about this or accept the truth. India does not have good relations as we had in earlier times with most of its neighbors. We exist in an ambiance of mistrust and lack of transparency.  India’s relations with the USA and other developed countries have only worsened and this is a major issue that will affect the country’s economy and its people. Yet we continue to resonate and hear only ‘Jai Shree Ram? The voice that should be heard louder is ‘Hey Ram’  and should reflect the concern about the state in which our great country has been enmeshed in.

I would like to conclude by saying that it is time for the voice of ‘Hey Ram’ to unite,  protect, and preserve the idea and fight for a country that was built on the sacrifices of millions of people belonging to different ideologies and ideas.

I hope the voices of ‘Hey Ram’ will come together and usher in a renaissance. They will create a new awakening and fight to protect and preserve the idea of India.

I belong to one of the voices of ‘Hey Ram’ and will do my best to fight for a just cause in the ensuing elections of 2024. It will be my earnest endeavor to help in recreating an India that is tolerant, progressive, pluralistic, and above all humane.

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“This potential partnership represents a monumental step forward in promoting the values of peace and equality that both Gandhi and King championed,” said Sravan Natakala, Gandhian Society board member. “By showcasing their shared message of nonviolent resistance and social justice, this museum would serve as a beacon of inspiration for generations to come.“

The proposed museum would be a first-of-its-kind institution, offering a unique platform for education, dialogue, and action. It would delve into the remarkable lives of Gandhi and King, highlighting their unwavering commitment to justice and their transformative impact on the world stage.

“We are honored by the City’s enthusiastic support for this important initiative,” said Bhadra Butala, founder of the Gandhian Society. “A permanent museum in New York City would not only celebrate the legacies of Gandhi and King but also inspire future generations to embrace their principles and strive for a more just and peaceful world.”

Both the Gandhian Society and New York City officials are committed to moving forward with this ambitious project. A follow-up meeting is scheduled to finalize the details of the collaboration and set the stage for the museum’s development.

The Gandhian Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the principles of Mahatma Gandhi in the United States. Through education, dialogue, and community service, the Society fosters understanding and appreciation for Gandhi’s message of nonviolence, truth, and social justice.

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The Gandhi King Center for Non-Violence NFP was conceptualized and initiated by Dr. Vijay Prabhakar, fondly known as Dr. VGP is a very highly acclaimed and proven community leader who has always strived to bring social justice and equality across different ethnic and religious groups and is a bit more profound of peace and harmony in the community. He is a Public Health Professional and a Graduate of Madras Medical College, 1982, MBBS, CPH, MPH, DD. He is also Chairman of GSA and Founder of the AMEC Commission & MEATF community organizations.

Toni Preckwinkle is Cook County Board President and was the honorary guest at this glorious celebration. She cut the ribbon to open the mobile community food pantry, which will also provide services like meditation, yoga, music therapy, color therapy, basketball coaching, group therapy, mobile food trailer, mental health services, mediation-crisis intervention, and wellness screenings to reduce Violence and Crimes. Additionally focus will be on getting City Vacant lands to be developed, Vocational Skill Development and a 24-hour Crisis hotline are part of the Center’s mission.

Taking the stage, the Master of the Ceremony, Ambassador, Dr. Twin Green, Founder and President – The Link & Option Center, Inc., South Holland, Chairperson, the Gandhi King Center for Non-Violence, Ambassador for the Citizens Alliance of Behavioral Health, declared that the Englewood community can now breathe! She added, “There have been so many opportunities, businesses, and providers that have come to Englewood with the intent to do very, very well. Then the air will go out and deflate but not the Gandhi King Center for Nonviolence. The resources that are going to come to this community are not going to deflate. We’re going to give the people of Englewood the opportunity to stabilize, to be able to receive the civil and economic rights that they deserve to have.”

To begin the program, Inter-Faith Prayers were held, which included, Christian Prayer – by Chaplain Ylysses Ruff, Shepherd’s Hope; Islamic Prayer – by Brother Dion – Community Activist; Hindu Prayer – by Councilman Acharya Rohit Joshi, MEATF-7th CD-IL

Brian Anderson, Founder-CEO Shepherd’s Hope, was invited to deliver the Welcome Address. And the Opening Remarks were shared by Brother R-Raheen, Founding Director – of Midwest Coalition to Stop Violence, Chicago. A solemn Tribute: was presented to Christiana Gray 11-Year-Old Poet and Student – at Calvin Christian Academy, South Holland.

There were several Keynote Speakers invited to the event: Dr. Sriam Sonty, Vice President, of the Gandhi Memorial Foundation, who presented Deep Insights Into The Gandhi-King Legacy; Donald Dew, CEO of Habilitative Systems, Inc., presented Perspective of the Plague of Violence in Chicago’s Englewood Area and the Westside of Chicago, Zoey Ma, Outreach Director-Brigitte G. House of Hope Foundation-Tri-Taylor Area, Chicago, spoke on How Vacant Lots Breed Crime & Violence in the Community. Dr. Abha Agarwal, Chief Medical Office of Humboldt Park Health, spoke on How Health Inequity Contributes to Violence & Crime, Dr. Zenobia Sowel, Chair of Bethel Mennonite Community Church, spoke on Inadequate Affordable Housing & Food Insecurity Spikes Violence & Crime In Chicago, Blue Pachecco-Cornejo, Founder Coach 3-B Basketball by Blue, spoke on Engaging Neighborhood Students & Youth.

An impactful Presidential Address – Role of “The Gandhi King Center for Non-Violence” was delivered by Dr. Vijay G. Prabhakar, President-American Multiethnic Coalition, USA. He explained that the Action Speaks Louder Than the Words and now all the community work will definitely create a much-needed harmony in the Englewood community and eventually other neighboring communities. He explained the Gandhi King Center for Non-Violence strives to provide innovative resources to the community gatekeepers to reduce violence and promote peace in neighborhoods. He also acknowledged the generous contribution, a $10,000 Check to Shepherd’s Hope – by Neal Patel, CEO of Medstar Laboratories.

Dr. Prabhakar then called upon the Guest of Honor, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkles, who was invited for her support of gun violence reduction programs and her deft handling of the COVID-19 pandemic prompted him to confer the title “the Iron Lady of America.”.

Regarding the choice of which individual should be chosen to launch the Gandhi King Center for Non-Violence NFP, Dr. VGP explained that “We all decided we should have somebody who really believes and (walks the walk) of the principles of Gandhi and King, and that’s none other than the Iron Lady of America.”

Guest of Honor, Preckwinkle said nearly half of Cook County’s $8 billion budget goes toward health care, and that Cook County hospital have some of the most well-regarded emergency room trauma centers in the country. “We train young people in the Navy for combat in our emergency room. The Navy sends young people to our emergency room to be trained so they will know what it’s like to treat combat wounds,” she said. “Now, we’re pleased that we’re able to help our military in this way. But it’s a tragedy that we have a hospital that’s equivalent to a military hospital where you’re treating gunshot wounds.”

Preckwinkle’s spokesman Nicholas Mathiowdis said that although Cook County did not directly provide funds for this nonviolence center, the county does want to support and uplift gun violence prevention programs. “The county has re-imagined the way we look at gun violence, instead of looking at it as a crime and law issue, we are looking at it as a public health crisis,” said Mathiowdis.

Cook County received $1 billion from the federal government through the American Rescue Plan Act and has laid out plans for spending it on health and wellness, economic development, and criminal justice.

It is interesting to know that the Gandhi King Center for Non-Violence NFP was launched in February, very close in heels with significance to both the leaders, Mahatma Gandhi ji’s Shraddhanjali which was on Jan 30, 2023, and Martin Luther King, Jr’s Day on Jan 16, 2023, this year. These two heroes with their message of Peace & Non-Violence are still relevant to our world today and we need them, even more, they continue to inspire us with their strength and tenacity to endure and be brave to stand up against inequality and injustice violence, and crime! Let us hope the Gandhi King Center for Non-Violence NFP helps reduce gun violence, not just in Englewood, but also in the adjoining neighboring communities, and eventually brings peace to the City of Chicago, and all US and the entire World at large!

Photographs and Press release by: Asian Media USA

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