Mahatma Gandhi Memorial of North Texas (MGMNT) organized the 70th India Republic Day Celebrations in Dallas (Irving) at Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Plaza with more than 150 jubilant community members, invitees and guests attending the event.
Rao Kalvala, Secretary, MGMNT welcomed the gathering, introduced MGMNT Board while Dr Prasad Thotakura, Chairman MGMNT, conducted the flag hoisting ceremony
The Chief Guest at the event Ms. Oscar Ward, Deputy Mayor Pro Tem, City of Irving, greeted the Indian American community on this special occasion and appreciated their efforts in building better communities with their education, intellect and knowledge.
Irving City Councilmember Allan Meagher, Special Guest of the occasion, addressed the gathering, conveyed his best wishes to the Indian Americans for celebrating India’s 70th Republic Day. He stated that it is essential for all to work together to uphold the democratic values both in the largest democracy, India and the oldest democracy, USA.
Dr. Prasad Thotakura observed, “After getting Independence from Great Britain, under the leadership of Father of the Constitution Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, many leaders like Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Dr. Babu Rajendra Prasad, Sardar Vallabbhai Patel, Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad, Shyama Prasad Mukherjee etc., who worked very hard for about three years to bring out the best Constitution for the nation.”
He said that “since 1950’s, as a Nation we have achieved a lot but much remains to be done. As Indian Americans, our responsibility is double now. We all need to strive for the betterment of both countries where we come from and where we live in.”
B.N.Rao, MGMNT Co-Chair, conveyed his Republic Day greetings to the community and remembered the sacrifices of Mahatma Gandhi who got Independence for India with peaceful methods.
Abhijit Railkar, Treasurer, MGMNT, in his closing remarks thanked ‘Music Masti Magic’ for providing Audio Visual, Bombay Photography, TV5,TV9 and TVAsia for media coverage, volunteers from Haryana Association, City of Irving officials, leaders from IAFC, IANT, and the community at large for joining and making the event a grand success.
He invited the community again to gather at the same place on January 30 at 5 PM to observe a moment of silence and pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on the day of remembrance.
