By Vishnu Bisram

LAST Sunday afternoon, on the occasion of the 152nd Gandhi Jayanti, or birth anniversary of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, Guyanese in New York joined Trinis and other Indo-Caribbeans and nationals from India to pay tribute to Mahatma (noble soul) with a peace march and speeches. The march was led by a tassa band and flag bearers carrying the USA, Guyana, and Trinidad flags.  Onlookers cheered the marchers who were escorted by the police and which resulted in the closure of streets.

It was the 26th annual Mahatma Gandhi Peace March and it took place on October 3 under very warm conditions, bright sun on Liberty Ave from 121 Street to 111th Street in New York and culminated at the Tulsi Mandir led by Guyanese Pt. Lekhram Maharaj. Pandit Baya of Black Bush and Port Mourant led the process as Gandhi walking barefooted for the mile-long journey.

The march was undertaken to recognise the work of the iconic Mahatma (Great Soul) and spread awareness of his teachings of non-violence and peace. Gandhi is known as the Apostle of Peace.  Gandhi is known across the world for his unwavering belief in non-violence (Ahinsa) and ‘Swaraj’ (self-governance).

He was born on Oct 2, 1869 in Porbandar, Gujarat. Gandhi lived a simple, austere life. His message was that hatred and violence would not solve the problems of society. He led the non-violent resistance against British rule in India and was at the forefront of the nation’s freedom struggle.  He was often beaten or imprisoned for his resistance to British injustice.

His birth anniversary is usually marked across the globe as the International Day of Non-Violence.

The New York Peace March was organised as usual by the Indo-Caribbean Federation of Hindu Mandirs Inc., USA. The organisation is led by former Berbician pandit, Dharamacharya Pt. Rishi Misir, President Pandit Ram Hardowar, and other executive members of the organisation.

Pandit Ram recognised the work of the executives and mandirs for putting together the march and programme. There were representatives from numerous mandirs and organisations, as well as community advocates Romeo Hitlal, Albert Baldeo and Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar and several politicians vying for elective offices. Elections are on the first Tuesday in November for the City Council.

At the Tulsi Mandir, there were speeches on the enduring legacy of the life and teachings of the Father of the Indian Nation as well as a cultural variety show. Several community leaders delivered remarks, quoting and drawing lessons from Gandhi. Speakers implored that people model their lives after Gandhi and heed his message of peace.

In light of the violence that is destroying lives and infrastructure, it is very important to emulate the values and ideas of Gandhi, they stressed. Gandhian ideas of sustainable development are apt for the time. Non-violent revolution can defeat growing hatred. Hate and division can be defeated by following the path of non-violence.

The cultural programme, emceed by Bahen Vedi and Pt Ramesh Ramshai, included classical dances and bhajans by members of several mandirs. There were some beautiful renditions including one from the well-known Latchman Budhai. Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar delivered the keynote address, mesmerising the gathering.

In her remarks, she praised the work of Indo-Caribbean organisations and the Indo-Caribbean people as well as Americans in keeping the values of Gandhi alive. Several speakers noted that prominent Americans, including Martin Luther King, were influenced by the work of the Mahatma.

The highlight of the Peace March was the award of the 2021 Gandhi Peace Prize to Srimati Deepa Omela, a Berbician who studied Hindi, Education and Gandhism under a scholarship programme in India. She is from Durga Mandir of Bronx, where tens of thousands of Guyanese are settled.
Several Hindu organisations (mandirs) were recognised with plaques for distinguished community service over the years.
Bhai Doodnauth delivered a vote of thanks.

The Gandhi Peace march was initiated by prominent community advocate and executive member of Tri-Murthi Mandir, Dr. Dhanpaul Narine some 26 years ago.