LA NRIs pays homage to Mahatma Gandhi on his 61st death anniversary

Mahatma Gandhi Punya Tithi
Los Angeles, Jan 31, 2009
By Dilip Butani

For the first time ever, a prayer meeting was organized, on the occasion of Mahatma Gandhi’s Punya Tithi, on January 30, 2009 at the La Palma City Park. The meeting was organized by Prof. Keshav Patel on behalf of La Palma Senior Community and Dilip Butani and Prakash Pancholi on behalf of FIA of Southern California.

Mr. Mark Waldman, Honorable Mayor of the City of La Palma presided. Speaking on the occasion the Mayor praised Mahatma Gandhi as a great of leader of India and spoke on Bapuji’s principles of non- violence and peace. As per the Mayor if Gandhiji was alive today, he could have given the world a solution against terrorism.

The program started with the Pledge of Allegiance and Indian National Anthem. Prakash Pancholi, who emceed the program, welcomed the guests. Prof. Keshav Patel in his speech said ‘ we love Mahatma Gandhiji not only as the father of India but also for his principles of nonviolence. He lived a simple life. Even Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. followed principles of Mahatma Gandhi for his of civil rights movement.

Gandhiji’s favorite bhajans ‘Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram’ and ‘Vaishnava Jana To’ were also sung on the occasion. The singers included Hetal Rawal, Zeal Nadasia, Kirti Dave and Dwarkadas Patel with Vijay Joshi on tabla. . Prakash and Ramesh Bhatt explained the meaning of the bhajans to the audience.

Local dignitaries Mr. Paul and Mr. Haung also spoke and praised Gandhiji.

Community leaders Devna Shah, Kiki-Urmila Purohit, Atul Ghadiali, Sunil Kansara and Ramesh Rawal were present on the occasion. Ramji Patel thanked the audience.

A two-minute silence was observed at 11:00 sharp, as per the tradition followed in India.

NRIs remember Mahatma Gandhi on 61st death anniversary
The Hon'ble Mayor of City of La Palma will also be present.

Los Angeles, Jan 29, 2009

PRAYER MEETING
61st Anniversary Of



MAHATMA GANDHI'S
PUNYA TITHI
On January 30, 2009
From 10:15 AM To 11:15 AM
At
La Palma City Park
7921 Walker Street, La Palma, CA 90623

For more information-please contact: Prof Keshav Patel – 714-816-9102

By Gary Singh

61st death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi on Jan 30, 2009:

• Gandhi was assassinated on January 30, 1948 at about 5pm . He was going for his prayer meeting in the lawns of Birla House, (known as Tees January Marg) where he was staying . Birla House is situated at Albuquerque Road now , New Delhi.
• He was shot at his abdomen, chest and died instantly .

  ---

Mahatma Ghandi Rules of Thumb

• Change yourself.
• You are in control.
• Forgive and let go.
• Without action, you aren't going anywhere.
• Take care of this moment.
• Everyone is human.
  Persist.
• See the good in people, and help them.
• Be congruent, be authentic, be your true self.
• Continue to grow and evolve.