Gandhi Jayanti 2016, the 147th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, was celebrated this Sunday, October 9th, in McDonnell Hall. Gandhi, was a great social activist of last century who played a pivotal role in the freedom fight for India, using non-violent protests.

SAAG President Vinod Gupta, Vice Provost for Diversity and Institutional Equity Michele Minter addressed a large audience, re-affirming Princeton’s strong commitment to Diversity & Inclusion. Vinod gave a historic perspective of Gandhi’s life and Michele acknowledged impact of Gandhi’s faith in non-violent activism on Martin Luther King Jr. and civil rights movement in America. Governor Chris Christie sent a letter of appreciation to South Asian community in spreading Gandhi’s message of peace & harmony among young students of New Jersey.

Several NGO leaders, including Association of Indians in America (AIA) Presidents Dr. Shashi Shah and Feroz Siddiqi, American Association of Physicians or Indian Origin (AAPI) President Dr. Ajay Lodha, former Deputy Speaker of NJ General Assembly and current Commissioner of NJ Board of Public Utilities Upendra Chivukula, Franklin Township Councilman Rajiv Prasad were among distinguished speakers.

Artists from Shishya School of Performing Arts gave beautiful dance performances based on Gandhi’s favorite patriotic & religious songs. Young kids from the community sang the National Anthems of India and United States. The event also recognized winners of annual Gandhi Arts & Writing contest in which thousands of students from hundreds of Middle and High schools of New Jersey participate. So far, over 50,000 students have participated in the contest in the last eleven years. The Governor also applauded students’ participation in his above referred letter.

The event was very well attended, so much so that the auditorium of 150 seats capacity was jam packed. Many among audience had to sit in the aisles and stand at the far back of the auditorium. Everyone also enjoyed diversity of Indian food at the reception.