News India Times

www.newsindiatimes.com – that’s all you need to know Gandhi Jayanti Celebrated At Skokie Sculpture Park, Ill T he Gandhi Memorial Foundation (GMF) of Skokie hosted a celebra- tion at the Skokie Sculpture Park, marking the 156th birth anniver- sary of Mahatma Gandhi — the Father of the Nation, revered worldwide for his philosophy of non-violence, peace, and truth. The event paid tribute to Gandhiji’s enduring ideals and brought to- gether more than 50 community leaders, seniors, and dignitaries in a moving reflec- tion on his global influence. Police Chief Jesse Barnes attended and spoke at the Gandhi Jayanti celebrations held October 2, 2025, at Skokie Sculpture Park in Skokie, Ill. Members of Metropolitan Asian Family Services (MAFS) Chicago and Niles joined guests, including Dr. Santosh Kumar, Executive Director of MAFS and President of GMF; Dr. Vijay Prabhakar, Vice Presi- dent of GMF; Consul General of India in Chicago Somnath Ghosh; Skokie Commis- sioner of Fine Arts Pramod Joshi; Skokie Police Chief Jesse Barnes; GMF Treasurer Dipti Shah; and GMF Secretary Shree Gurusamy. Dr. Santosh Kumar opened the ceremo- ny by expressing gratitude for Gandhiji’s everlasting contributions to humanity. She reminded the audience that in today’s climate of uncertainty, social division, and financial stress, Gandhiji’s teach- ings — rooted in truth, self-discipline, compassion, and simplicity — remain the foundation for a peaceful world. “Gandhiji’s principles of unity, equality, and service are needed now more than ever. Let us each commit to rebuilding our communities through his timeless mes- sage,” she said. Indian Consul General Ghosh conveyed his greetings to the gathering and reflect- ed on the continued global relevance of Gandhian philosophy in addressing mod- ern challenges such as inequality, conflict, and environmental crises. “Mahatma Gandhi belongs not only to India but to all of humanity,” he said. “His ideals of em- pathy, tolerance, and social coexistence continue to illuminate the path toward a sustainable and just world.” Vice President Dr. Vijay Prabhakar commended Dr. Kumar’s steadfast leader- ship in sustaining the Gandhi Memorial Foundation for more than two decades. He invited the audience to observe a min- ute of silence in memory of the late Dr. Shriram Sonty, former Vice President of GMF, who dedicated his life to spreading Gandhiji’s values through education and civic engagement. Dr. Prabhakar extended gratitude to the Skokie Police Department for safeguard- ing the Gandhi statue at the Sculpture Park — a symbol of peace and resilience that has stood in the heart of the commu- nity for decades. Police Chief Jesse Barnes expressed his appreciation for the recog- nition and reaffirmed his commitment to community partnerships that promote harmony and mutual respect. A highlight of the event was the intro- duction of Captain Arun Chakravati, a decorated veteran who lost his right limb while serving the nation. His powerful words, “The world needs transforma- tion — to embrace one another and live in harmony regardless of color, caste, or race,” deeply resonated with attendees and underscored the inclusive spirit of Gandhiji’s vision. Ninety-three-year-old Shashi Singh moved the audience as she recounted her memories of India’s independence movement. “The world must rediscover Gandhiji’s magic of harmony and peace,” she said. Fellow senior Mrs. Rujuta Pan- choli spoke about Gandhiji’s emphasis on simplicity, right knowledge, and spiritual grounding as the moral compass for fu- ture generations. The celebration featured bhajans — including “Vaishnav Jan To Tene Re Kahiye Re” and “Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram” — performed by Payel Ganguly and UMAS seniors Shashi Singh and Darshna Satyawadi. Jahnvi Bavisi, director of the Adult Day Services (ADS) program at UMAS, invited participants to support the upcoming MAFS Annual Gala at The Matrix Club in Naperville on November 1, 2025. Proceeds from the event will help expand senior care and community service programs across Chicagoland. The program concluded with a com- munal sharing of Indian snacks and conversations about Gandhiji’s teachings of truth, love, and service to humanity. Founded in 1989, the Gandhi Memo- rial Foundation (GMF) of Skokie, Illinois is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi — peace, non-violence, equality, and truth — through education, community engagement, and cultural events. By Bhailal M. Patel News India Times (October 11, 2025 - October 17, 2025) October 17, 2025 12 Community PHOTOS:Courtesyorganizers Members of the Indian and Indian American community pose at the Skokie Sculpture Park in Skokie, Ill., October 2, 2025. Hindu Mantras Start The Day At Three City Councils Of Idaho H indu prayers opened the Idaho City Councils of Burley, Arimo and St. Anthony on October 7-8-9 respectively. The prayers included verses from old scriptures, and according to Rajan Zed, a community activist, this was the first time a Hindu invocation was read in these city councils since Burley, Arimo and St. Anthony were reportedly incorporated in 1909-1923-1908 respectively. Zed delivered the invocations from an- cient Sanskrit scriptures, a press release from him said. After the Sanskrit delivery, he read the English interpretation of the prayers. Zed, who is the President of Universal Society of Hinduism, recited from Rig-Veda, Upanishads and Bhagavad-Gita (Song of the Lord), and started and ended the prayers with “Om”. Reciting from Brahadaranyakopanishad, Rajan Zed said “Asato ma sad gamaya, Tamaso ma jyotir gamaya, Mrtyor mamr- tam gamaya”; which he then interpreted as “Lead us from the unreal to the real, Lead us from darkness to light, and Lead us from death to immortality.” Reciting from Bhagavad-Gita, he urged the council-mem- bers and others present to keep the welfare of others always in mind. Mayors Steve Ormond (Burley), Lon- nie Gunter (Arimo) and Donald Powell (St. Anthony) welcomed Zed; who was wearing saffron colored robes, a rudraksh mala (rosary) and tilak (religious mark) on his forehead. Zed is on the Advisory Board of The Interfaith Peace Project, Senior Fellow and Religious Advisor to Foundation for Religious Diplomacy, etc. He has been a panelist for “On Faith”, an interactive conversation on religion produced by TheWashington Post; and leads a weekly interfaith panel “Faith Forum” in a Gannett publication for over 14 years, he said in the press release. By a StaffWriter PHOTO:COURTESY RAJAN ZED Rajan Zed with Burley Mayor Steve Ormond, Council-President Casey Andersen, Council-members and city officials just before he read invocation at Burley City Council meeting.