2009 Mahatma Gandhi Week

The 1000 lights For Peace program, an international and multicultural dance and music show started promptly at 5:30 PM with an invocation by Ms. Siraj Parmer of Baha'i faith.

Alpa Shah, Mahatma Gandhi Library BOD Member, was a very entertaining Mistress of Ceremonies for the evening lead the audience on a tour around the globe through the song, music and dance of talented Houstonians with roots to all ends of the earth. The program consisted of the following performances. Tradition Dance Arte Project by Hispanic community, Golden Peacock School of Dance, a Chinese community performance, Koumanke'le' African Dance and Drum Ensemble and Kuumba House Dancers presented African American community performances, Scottish Bagpipe and dancing ensemble from St. Thomas Episcopal High School, and last but not the least Anjali School of Dance presenting Vaishnav Jan To and Jai Ho as the Indo-American community performances.

The finale of the cultural program was a mesmerizing and magical Sand Animation chronicling Mahatma Gandhi's life narrated by Omkar Khare. The Sand Artists, whose art in the sand lighted up the big screen, were Trupti Wadadekar and Satish Gore. It brought tears to the eyes of many and received a standing ovation.

Keynote speaker, Mr. Paul Lacey, President of American Friends Services Committee, recipient of the Nobel Pace Prize in 1947, spoke about Mahatma Gandhi's worldwide inspiration. Life and example of Mahatma Gandhi even today inspires leaders, policy makers, saints and others even today. Mr. Lacey shared his personal story of how his life was transformed forever by Mahatma Gandhi in 1974 when he studied about India's independence struggle. It was Mahatma Gandhi's commitment to a policy of fighting for truth non-violently that affected him. He reflected on resistance to tyranny through mass civil disobedience. He referred to Gandhi's method of civil disobedience as requiring the, "… highest form of bravery". Mahatma Gandhi's movement, firmly rooted in truth and ahimsa or total non-violence led to India's independence from British colonial rule and inspired movements for civil rights and freedom across the world. Mr. Lacey made parallels to his own life as a Quaker. He related Gandhi's commitment to service, and working with hands, as a pathway to truth. He referred to places in history, where Mahatma Gandhi influenced the Quaker Society.

Consul General of Bharat, India, Shri Sanjiv Arora, spoke about the ever lasting legacy left by our beloved Bapu, Father of Modern Bharat, India. A legacy, of which not only Bharat, India is proud of, but the whole world is proud of.

Tom Abraham, City Councilman of Sugar Land, presented the awards to the winners of various contests.

1000 Lights For Peace is culmination of month long activities beginning with display of a photographic exhibition titled "Gandhi Darshan" at the Downtown Central Public Library beginning September 1, 2009. It was followed by airing of the documentary "A Force More Powerful" by KUHT, Channel 8, on September 22nd and 23rd. On September 27th The Children's Museum observed "Heroes For Peace" day. Bus loads of children filled up the museum as part of the Field Trip. The children from Arya Samaj Greater Houston, Hare Krishna Dham and Sri Meenakshi Temple went on the Field Trip organized by Mahatma Gandhi Library and visited Gandhi Statue in Hermann park, Gandhi Mural in Dupree Park and the Heroes For Peace day at The Children's Museum.

The spectacular evening concluded with the lighting of a candle by all in attendance and a pledge to observe peace in their own lives. The first candle was lit by Shri Jay Master who dressed up as Gandhi ji. The candle lighting quickly spread through out the theatre and nobody in attendance really wanted to leave even after the music of Jyot Se Jyot Jalate Chalo stopped. The crowd was still reflecting on the magical evening and how to emulate Mahatma Gandhi's life.