Gandhi Week: A celebration of peace

RANDI NULL

THE SIGNAL

As October begins, most Americans think about the cooling weather, football and pumpkin-flavored everything.

Halfway around the world, as well as right here in the heart of Houston, the start of October is a time to remember the most influential man in all of India and arguably one of the most influential leaders in the world.

Oct. 2 is the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, the man who peacefully led India to independence from British rule in the 1930s through means of non-violent civil disobedience. He inspired people around the world in their fights for civil rights and freedom, including Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Gandhi pioneered “A Force More Powerful,” Satyagraha, or Holding to the Truth, which was used by underdogs on every continent throughout the 20th century.

In 2003 a group of individuals wanted to bring Gandhi’s values to the Houston area and together formed the idea of the Mahatma Gandhi Library.

“The idea was in getting people to read about him and keep his legacy alive,” said Dr. Manish Wani, president and member of the board of directors for the library. “He has a lot of publications, a lot of books, a lot of materials that people may not know about…we allow people to take the books; all we ask is that they read it.”

Wani said that while the library was a step in the right direction, they wanted to do more. The group’s next step was figuring out how to help teach the next generation Gandhi’s ideals, which led to the idea of Mahatma Gandhi Week.

Mahatma Gandhi Week began as an annual set of essay, speech and poster contests for children.

“Not only can they enter the contests for cash rewards and prizes, but they also get to learn about Mahatma Gandhi,” Wani said.

Since its inception, the celebration has grown to include more contests and the Gandhi Darshan photography exhibit.

The photography exhibit depicts the life and times of Gandhi and was on display for three weeks in the Houston Public Library before being moved to Nolan Ryan Junior High in Alvin ISD for another week to help share Gandhi’s walk with the students.

Mahatma Gandhi Week, which is actually a month-long celebration, ends at Miller Outdoor Theatre with cultural programming and the 1000 Lights for Peace, where participants have the chance to light a candle as their pledge for peace.

Seven years ago the group also incorporated a 5K Walk for Peace, which is more than just a chance to walk together through Hermann Park, says walk coordinator Sesh Bala.

“One of the very important things [Gandhi] did was a protest march called the Salt Tax March in the year 1930,” Bala said. “In remembrance of that, we are also doing a march.”

The walk typically begins at the foot of the Gandhi statue in the Houston Garden Center and participants carry homemade signs along the route. This year the grand marshall, Ramesh Bhutada, carried a genuine Olympic torch as a symbol of peace. In recent years, one volunteer has even taken to dressing in Gandhi’s image.

“I’m really enjoying learning about [Gandhi] right now,” said Andrew Morgan, a student from Friendswood ISD who joined the 2013 Walk for Peace. “It makes me want to participate and go out and do things. I’d really like to see a change and watch the Earth grow more toward peace.”

Gandhi’s message is not only celebrated during October, but year-round. The Mahatma Gandhi Library offers monthly book club meetings to discuss Gandhi’s autobiography, but there are other chances to learn about Gandhi’s life and teachings citywide.

In January, Unity of Houston’s Peace Makers will offer a series of classes on the life, wisdom and teachings of Mahatma Gandhi in their welcome center.

“Our mission is to spread the word of peace…around the world,” said Jami Arnst, a Unity representative. “Gandhi’s life is a true example of doing just that.”

In time for next year’s Gandhi Week celebrations, the Menil Collection will welcome the “Art and Truth: Gandhi and Images of Nonviolence” exhibit. The collection will be open to the public from Oct. 3, 2014 to Jan. 11, 2015, and will feature many of Gandhi’s predecessors and contemporaries who also valued non-violence and tolerance in the face of social reform.

For more information on Houston’s Mahatma Gandhi Week, visit www.gandhilibrary.org.