Dallas, TX: Mahatma Gandhi Memorial of North Texas (MGMNT) celebrated “India’s 70th Independence Day” on August 15th in the midst of hundreds of jubilant crowd at Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Plaza, Irving, the largest Gandhi Memorial in the USA.
The cloudy weather was perfect to attract more than 600 NRIs to attend the celebrations. Mrs. Shabnam Modgil, MGMNT Board of Director, opened the meeting by paying a rich tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on this important occasion.
Mr. Rao Kalvala, MGMNT Secretary in his welcome address stated that celebrating this event at Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Plaza today is more relevant and significant as Mahatma Gandhi the “Father of the Nation” played a vital role in attaining Independence through the methods of peace and non-violence. He further stated that Gandhijis’ messages are key to the progress of mankind in peace and harmony and are very much relevant even today. Mr. Kalvala requested all to join the upcoming Annual Gandhi Peace-Walk to be held on October 2nd at the same venue.
Dr. Prasad Thotakura, MGMNT Chairman hoisted the Tri-color Indian Flag in the midst of cheering, thundering applause of crowd waiving both Indian and US Flags with a lot of joy and enthusiasm. Dr. Thotakura saluting the Indian flag said that we are all very much fortunate and indebted to this great country USA where freedom and democracy prevail and allow to celebrate events like these. He paid rich tribute to all freedom fighters and national leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Subhas Chandra Bose, Lala Lajpat Rai, Chandra Sekhar Azad, Bhagat Singh, Jawahar Lal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and many who sacrificed everything to free India from the British Raj.
Dr. Prasad Thotakura reminded all NRIs to rededicate ourselves on this auspicious day to serve our motherland, India in fighting against evils like Terrorism, Corruption, Female Infanticide, Illiteracy etc.,
Mr. Taiyab Kundawala, MGMNT Board of Director, recited the favorable Bhajan of Gandhiji raghupati raghava raja raam.. and requested all to observe a moment of silence to pay rich tribute to all fallen heroes in the freedoms struggle.
Mr. Jack Godhwani, MGMNT Board of Director, extended his best wishes in Hindi language to all on the eve of India’s 70th Independence Day.
Mr. Salman Farshori, MGMNT Board of Director, in his closing remarks thanked the City of Irving, the Electronic and Print media, Suraj Arts for Photography, FunAsiA for promotion and publicity, TV channels such as WFAA Channel 8, TV9, TV5, AINA TV and Saregama Indian Restaurant, all attendees and volunteers for making the event successful.
The MGMNT Team inaugurated the "Seating Area" with four park benches and "Plant a Tree" donor recognition pedestal at this event and thanked all the donors who made this possible.
