Dallas, TX, August 15th – Mahatma Gandhi Memorial of North Texas (MGMNT) hosted India’s 69th Independence Day
at Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Plaza. The theme of the event was “Floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi by the Senior Citizens and Former Servicemen”.
The event started with Gandhi liked Bhajans at 9AM in a hot summer day. More than 600 Dallas residents, patriotic Senior Citizens and Ex. Servicemen attended the event. Mr. Rao Kalvala, Secretary, MGMNT in his welcome address stated that celebrating the event at Mahatma Gandhi Memorial, one of the prominent landmarks for the Peace & Harmony, is a rewarding experience. He thanked the community, Donors and MGMNT Leadership for the realization of Mahatma Gandhi Memorial.
Dr. Prasad Thotakura, the Initiator & Chairman, MGMNT stated that “celebrating India’s Independence Day in USA is our privilege and honor. He reminded all NRIs of their responsibility of serving and helping our motherland always in whatever ways possible may be through Clean & Green, Education, Knowledge Transfer, Setting up industries etc., He reminded all that we can’t ignore our adopted land USA for giving us an opportunity to live in peace and prosperity and we need to be the part and parcel of the mainstream.
Dr. Srinivas Gunukula, the Board of Director of MGMNT talked the importance of the occasion and encouraged all to attend these kinds of events every year.
Mr. Taiyab Kundawala, Co-Chair of MGMNT in his address shared his passion for Mahatma Gandhi and the effect of Peace and Harmony on this earth if everyone follows it. Mr. Kundawala requested all to support and participates at the upcoming Gandhi Peace-Walk on Saturday, October 3rd at Mahatma Gandhi Memorial.
Mr. Sunil Maine, Trustee Board Chairman, IANT expressed his joy in seeing people from all age groups to celebrate our motherland’s Independence on this foreign soil.
Other MGMNT Board of Directors – Jack Godhwani, Akshay Vani, Piyush Patel and Advisers – Mr. MVL Prasad, Mr. CC Theophine, Mr. Paul Pandian, representatives from several organizations, Senior Citizens and Ex. Servicemen, several community members from all age groups participated very enthusiastically in the event.
Dr. Prasad Thotakura, Chairman, MGMNT hosted the Indian National Flag in the midst of cheers and slogans praising India and Indian leaders who fought to get freedom from the British on the same day of August 15th, 1947. There was greater joy of tears to witness the rise of the tri-colored flag, singing Jana gana Mana and the release of 69 tri-colored balloons to mark India’s 69th Independence Day celebrations.
Mrs. Shabnam Modgil, the Board of Director of MGMNT, in her Vote of Thanks, expressed her sincere appreciation and thanks to the Dallas community for their love towards India, City of Irving for their cooperation and to volunteers like Nagesh, Venkata, Lokesh, Venky and scores of volunteers who worked very hard for the success of the event. A special thanks to exclusive media partners like FunAsiA and other media like TNI, TV9 and TV 5 for their excellent coverage of the event and Bombay Photography for covering the event and providing beautiful pictures.