SPECIAL ISSUE

October 9, 1999: How can we forget Gandhi?

Dear Readers:
October 2 has come and gone. But how many of us remembered Mohandas Karam-chand Gandhi — the Father of the Nation? Perhaps, individually, we may have paid our homage in silence. But as a community of Indian origin, we hardly arranged any public function, though October 2 fell on Saturday. It should not have been difficult for our so-called associations to arrange a public function and pay respects to this great leader, who fought for equality, freedom, peace and non-violence.
Our community leaders immortalized Mahatma Gandhi by making the City of Chicago name a portion of the Devon Avenue after him. But, it is unfortunate that the business community of the Gandhi Marg also blissfully forgot to celebrate the birth anniversary of this apostle of peace. What is even more regrettable is that most of these businessmen shy away from using the “Gandhi Marg” on their signboards or letterheads.
To pay respects to a leader like Mahatma Gandhi, it is just not enough to name a street or have a statue and forget about him. If the present generation does not care to pay homage to Father of the Nation collectively, how can we expect the future generations to do that? We owe a duty to pay our respects to this great man, who got us Independence.
Every year, the FIA organizes Independence Day parade with great fanfare. Several other organizations sponsor the event. Some of our self-seeking leaders make use of this occasion to revel in glory. But how come all of these organizations and leaders do not think of remembering Gandhi on his birthday? Is it not an occasion for celebration?
Gandhi does not belong to India alone; he belongs to the whole world. He is not just a man of the century; he is man of Era - “Yugpurush.”

Sincerely,

Prashant Shah
Editor & Publisher