Atlanta, GA, October 17, 2025: 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…