1000 Lights for Peace: Eternal Gandhi Museum celebrates Gandhi Jayanti

Eternal Gandhi Museum Houston (EGMH) celebrated the 155th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi with a 1000 Lights for Peace event to strengthen community bonds and emphasize the relevance of Gandhi’s ideals in today’s society.

This annual celebration unites Houstonians from diverse backgrounds to reflect on Gandhi’s timeless messages of peace, non-violence, and unity, according to an EGMH press release.

The event on Oct 5 commenced with welcome from Board of Trustee member Sanjay Jain, who served as the evening’s Master of Ceremonies. A multi-faith invocation followed, featuring contributions from Acharya Bramdeo Mokoonlal (Arya Samaj Greater Houston), Mehnaz Bhayani (Ismaili Jamat Khanna), and Allen Lea (Museum Director, EGMH).

READ: Mahatma Gandhi Day celebrated in Hawaii (October 14, 2024)

One of Gandhiji’s favorite bhajans, “Vaishnava Janato,” was performed by students from the Swar Sangam School of Music, under the direction of Smriti Srivastava, accompanied by tabla virtuoso Raja Banga.

US Congressman Al Green inspired attendees with his inspirational address, emphasizing how “the world needs a Gandhi today as he has shown us the way to peace and non-violence.” He presented the EGMH Board a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition in Honor of Service to the Houston Community.

A vibrant dance from the state of Jalisco, Mexico, performed by Ambassadors International Ballet Folklorico, directed by Maestra Martha De La Paz, followed.

Keynote speaker Vinay Kumar, founder of the Wisdom Foundation, shared insights on Gandhiji’s enduring legacy, highlighting how his values transcend time and continue to resonate across all aspects of life.

Children from St. Catherine’s Montessori School, led by Mindy Snow, charmed the audience with their renditions of Kumbaya and another uplifting “Peaceful” song.

Dr. Manish Wani, EGMH Board of Trustee member, provided updates on the museum’s first year, noting that it has welcomed over 5,000 visitors, including school groups, families, scholars, and international tourists.

The evening also featured a captivating dance by Tropical Rhythms,  showcasing Philippine traditions with a Hawaiian flair under the direction of Neni Navarrete.

Five students from DAVSS Montessori School recited shlokas from the Bhagavad Gita, illuminating concepts such as Ahimsa and Moksha. The Ambassadors International Ballet Folklorico returned for a lively encore performance.

EGMH Board member GV Krishnan recognized two dedicated volunteers Pankaj Desai and Dedra Benson for their invaluable contributions to the museum’s operations over the past year. Board of Trustee member Ajit Paralkar, thanked the audience, participants, and volunteers for their support in making the event a resounding success.

A spectacular and symbolic candle-lighting ceremony followed with a virtual pledge by attendees to embody peace in their lives as reflective tunes of “Imagine” by John Lennon and “Jyot se Jyot Jagate Chalo,” reminding all to share their light with others, filled the air.