Gandhi Peace Day

Gandhi Peace day is celebrated every year at the Gandhi Square in South Florida but this year was very different. Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday was celebrated this year with Mahatma Gandhi’s grandson: Mr. Arun Gandhi, as the Guest of Honor. The Fort Lauderdale chapter of the Sant Nirankari Mission joined hands with the Gandhi Square Foundation and participated in several sub-events for this landmark event.

“Swachh Abhiyaan”

On Saturday, October 1, 2016, the Fort Lauderdale chapter was fortunate to participate in a Cleanliness Drive, to commemorate this year’s Gandhi Peace Day. The Gandhi square premises were cleaned and prepared by SNM members for the Gandhi Jayanti on October 2nd. The Gandhi statue along with the adjoining premises were cleaned and painted to renew its upkeep and the lawn was mowed. Harlivleen Bajwa ji: Social Welfare department In-charge for Sant Nirankari Mission, USA, came in from Michigan to mark this occasion. The cleanliness drive ended with a short informal satsang at the Gandhi Square Park.

Dinner with Arun Gandhi

SNM members got the opportunity to dine with Mr. Arun Gandhi, which enabled them to share information about the Sant Nirankari Mission with the Father of the Nation’s grandson. Sant Nirankari Mission’s initiatives on Swachh Abhiyaan projects in India’s Railway Stations and other projects on Peace and Harmony were discussed.

Gandhi Peace Day

On Sunday, October 2nd 2016, Mahatma Gandhi’s grandson: Arun Gandhi attended the tribute as the chief guest. He shared many stories of his childhood growing up with his grandfather. He shared the teachings his grandfather passed on to him. Something he emphasized on throughout his speech was non-violence, which his grandfather lived for. Not only did he talk about non-violence with the world, but emphasized on practicing it within our families as well. When raising kids, there should not be any violence either. He mentioned many ways his grandfather taught him lessons without using violence. He mentioned feeding the homeless as well. The Sant Nirankari Mission is spreading the word of oneness and non-violence around the world as well as setting up food drives and feeding the homeless at shelters. Listening to Gandhi’s memoirs and life lessons, it is clear that his grandfather instilled the same values he had in his grandson. These values are the same values that are taught in the Mission as well. The local SNM members volunteered in the event arrangements and shared several photographic moments with the Mahatma’s grandson.

The Luncheon

The event ended with Lunch at the Palace Indian Cuisine where several local community leaders gathered to share historic moments with Mr. Arun Gandhi. A Plaque presentation also took place at the luncheon to mark Sant Nirankari Mission’s Swachh Abhiyaan at the Gandhi Square. The Sant Nirankari Mission honored the Guest of Honor for his initiatives to promote Peace and Harmony, which are the core values that the Mission promotes.