Long Island-based Shanti Fund commemorated the 156th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi at the Suffolk County office. The event was graced by Suffolk County Executive Edward Romine and senior officials, who joined in paying tribute to Mahatma Gandhi’s eternal values of peace, truth, and non-violence. Deputy Consul General Vishal J Harsh highlighted Bapu’s enduring message of truth, non-violence, and social justice.
Speaking on the occasion, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine praised Gandhi for his stance on peace, nonviolence, and fairness. “He was a man, but more than a man. His message delivered by seven social sins if followed by all of us, then we all can experience a different world than what we have now,” he said. Personally, he has a Gandhi Maquette in his office, presented by the Shanti Fund when life life-size statue was unveiled 26 years ago.
Tejal and Paresh Raval presenting the MAHATMA book to honoree Dr. Vanya Grover
Deputy Consul General Shri Vishal Harsh presenting a plaque to Suffolk County Executive Edward Romaine
Dr. Vanya Grover profusely praised and thanked her family members and friends, as well as the volunteers of Shanti Fund, to recognize and appreciate her services in the community, which aim to build bridges between generations as the South Asian population on Long Island continues to grow. “Gandhiji’s message for humility, service, and compassion is much more important now in our divided world,” she said.
Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney said Gandhi was a man of peace and non-violence. “Keeping people of Suffolk County safe and leading peaceful lives is our responsibility, and be assured we take that very seriously. Mahatma Gandhi and I have some commonality - we both studied law. I wish I could keep with his simplicity, self-restraint, and plain diet!” he said.
Dr. Sushil Sagar presenting plaque to Honoree Dr. Vanya Grover
Namaste Team Members kick off the celebration of Gandhi Jayanti by singing Gandhi Ji’s favorite Bhajan - Vaishnav Jan Toh
Dr. Jennifer Morrison-Raptis, Superintendent of New Hyde Park-Garden City Park School District, appreciated the presence of fellow educators: Dr. Kusum Sinha, Superintendent of Garden City, Dr. Kishore Kuncham, retired Superintendent of Freeport, Dr. Paul Casciano, retired Superintendent of William Floyd School District, and school teacher Mrs. Bliss. Study of the nonviolence movement by Martin Luther King as a student in her school, she learned about his connection to Gandhi; sadly, both were assassinated.
Vishal J. Harsh, Deputy Consul General, said that he considers himself lucky to have spent time at places where Gandhi Ji spent a good amount of time in his life, like his birthplace, Porbandar, education at Rajkot, the launching pad of many movements at Ahmedabad, where he was born and educated, as well as Durban and other places. “Gandhi’s messages on the nonviolence movement were effectively practiced by world leaders like Martin Luther King, Jr., Nelson Mandela, and others to make structural changes in their society,” he said. He quoted Einstein's tribute, “Generation to come will scarce believe that such one as this ever in flesh and blood walked upon this world,” ending with stating that Gandhi’s messages are timeless and everlasting.
Suffolk County Executive Edward Romaine
Deputy Consul General Vishal Harsh
Honoree Director George Gorman, Jr.
George Gorman, Jr., Regional Director of Long Island State Park, gave an overview of parks and beaches on Long Island. They are there for enjoyment. As peace leaders, including Gandhi, have emphasized the need for compassion, love, and peace, and what better way to promote that than in the natural beauty of parks and beaches?
Arvind Vora conducted the program, and Paresh Raval did the vote of thanks. Everyone departed after having a delicious dinner catered by Curry Club.
Mahatma book and plaque presentation to Honoree Director George Gorman, Jr. by Dr. Kusum Sinha and Mrs. ILA Vora
Anusha Pandya presented classical and popular dances
(Photographs courtesy: Mr. Suresh Udeshi)
