Atlanta, Georgia: The Gandhi Foundation of USA, The India American Cultural Association (IACA) and the National Federation of Indian American Associations (NFIA) presented the 'Observance' on September 27, 2003 at the Martin Luther King Jr National Historic Site. The observance was supported by several community organisations of Georgia.

The theme of this year's Observance was "Gandhi-King Philosophies of Non-Violence: Tolerance".

Under a clear blue sky and on a cool autumn morning, the devotional section of the programme was conducted at the site of the life-size majestic bronze statue of Mahatma Gandhi, dedicated on January 24,1998 by former Mayor and Ambassador Andrew Young.

The statue was donated by the government of India (ICCR/Embassy of India) with corporate sponsorship of the Coca Cola Company. The statue project was spearheaded by NFIA under the leadership of then president Subash Razdan.

With the singing of "Raghupathi Raghava Rajaram" by Arush Lal, followed by Mirabhai's 'bhajan' by Krishna Kali Bakshi, the ceremonial 'diya' was lit by the chief guest of honor Ashok Sajjanhar, Minister (Political), Embassy of India, Washington D C.

The formal section of the programme was held at the old historic Ebenezer Baptist Church a few blocks away from Civil Rights leader Reverend Dr Martin Luther King's birth home. Reverend Martin Luther King Jr preached at the historic Ebenezer Church as its Pastor.

The introduction was made by Giriraj Rao of the Gandhi Foundation. Vinita Thaper, crowned Miss India- Georgia in 2002, served as the Mistress of Ceremonies.

Greg Pridgeon, Chief of Staff, office of the Mayor of Atlanta, and vice chairman of the Gandhi Foundation Dr Padmini Sharma, president of IACA and Niraj Baxi, current president of NFIA, welcomed the dignitaries and the assembly of guests.

The speakers included Dr Bikramjit S Garcha, professor emeritus of the Georgia state university, Reverend Maria Shamaya Clemente (Gandhi-King activist) of "Doorway into the Infinite Ministries".

Dr Samir Moukaddam, an Arab-American and the programme director of American Friends Service Committee, expert on Middle East emphasised the need for the recognition of Gandhiji and his philosophy of non-violence, particularly in these days when tolerance is demanded to co-exist and the need to build bridges instead of fences is paramount.

Dr Joy Berry, board director and Subash Razdan, acting chairman of the Gandhi Foundation introduced the guests of honor Kenneth A Cutshaw, honorary consul at Atlanta and Ashok Sajjanhar, respectively.

The addresses delivered by Cutshaw and Ashok Sajjanhar were elaborate and inspiring narrations of the contributions of Gandhiji and the inspiration he provided to Martin Luther King Jr and other world leaders, and its relevance to the utmost need for tolerance in the present conditions.

Students and youth also participated. Presentations and remarks by students Shilpa Darivedula and Sonya Thaper were thought provoking.

The song recitals, "Shabad from Shri Guru GranthSahib" sung by Amarjit Duggal, Tagore's song in English from 'Gitanjali', "Where the head is held high", sung by Krishna Kali Bakshi, "Vaishnava janato" by Rashmi Gupta and the Civil Rights anthem "We shall overcome" (chorus with audience participation) led by Helen Lissimore, imparted the spiritual character and the diversity to the Observance. Helen's husband Troy Lissimore, then superintendent of the National Park Services, was a key facilitator for the dedication of the first historic statue.

The prestigious "Gandhi Humanitarian Award" was bestowed upon Sujatha Reddy, MD of the Telugu Association of Metro Atlanta (TAMA) for her contributions in field of free medical fairs and other meritorious community services over a long period of time.

Two senior citizens, Jai Krishna Sharma and Manu Bhai Barot, who were part of the freedom movement in India and had been with the Mahatma, were honoured with "Gandhi-Recognition Award" for their services.

All the participants were garlanded and greeted with bouquets and with books on Gandhi. The programme concluded with a beautiful cake-cutting ceremony, followed by a reception with Indian refreshments.

Could we apply any of these principles for tolerance in our outlook and in our actions?

At least the messages conveyed by those who spoke and who sang the theme songs gave a poignant spiritual message that Gandhiji's message is relevant for our lives!