Gandhi, An Unparalleled Man Representing Non-Violence

This coming Sunday Oct 2^nd marks the birthday of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi and a national holiday in his honor – International Day of Non-Violence. We are devoting this week leading up to the international holiday to Gandhi, his homeland, India, and his contribution to mankind. He not only led India to independence but also inspired his own, as well as future generations, of civil rights movements and continued freedom across the world. Gandhi’s unparallel contribution towards non-violence and peace has made this world a better place. Tragically Gandhi was assassinated and a day later his body cremated. His ashes were divided among many urns and sent to various locations across India for other memorial services, some secretly.

Gandhi’s memorial, Raj Ghat in New Delhi, is located where Gandhi was cremated. Over 10,000 people visit his memorial each day, a cube of black granite in the middle of a large lawn. Some feel his memorial, designed by Vanu G. Bhuta, is cold, pompous and contrary to Gandhi’s modest nature. The intent was simplicity to be viewed worthy of all who have traveled over the years to pay respect to Gandhi’s immense contribution.

Every Friday a commemorative celebration is held at Raj Ghat and each year a prayer session on both the anniversary of his birth and death. As we launch a week of blog posts inspired by his legacy, I offer celebratory images of Raj Ghat and those who come to scatter rose petals humbly at the eternal flame in memory of a great man who once lived and now lives in the heart of each of us.

Most significant was Gandhi having once stated that his most important life battle was overcoming his own demons, insecurities, and fears.

Raj Ghat Memorial

Praying Hands

“An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.” Gandhi