Dallas, Texas, USA: The 156th birthday of Mahatma Gandhi was observed at the Irving Memorial in Dallas, Texas, with heartfelt tributes and celebrations. Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar honoured the Father of the Nation by laying flowers at the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial early on October 2. He was accompanied by businessman Arun Agarwal and community leader Salman Farshori.
Dr Prasad, Founder and President of the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial, warmly welcomed Sachin Tendulkar. He highlighted the dedication of the memorial’s executive members, the collective efforts of the Indian diaspora, the generous contributions of donors, and the support of authorities in facilitating the establishment of the memorial.
Sachin Tendulkar remarked, “I feel privileged to visit the Gandhi Memorial in the United States on Gandhi Jayanti and pay my respects. The memorial is beautifully maintained in a serene and clean environment. I congratulate Prasad Thotakura and all the executive members for their dedication.”
On Saturday, hundreds of members of the Indian community in the US took part in the “Gandhi Peace Walk-2025” to mark the 156th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi’s birth. Mahendra Rao, Northern President of the Indian Association of North Texas, welcomed the attendees and officially inaugurated the event.
The ceremony featured distinguished guests, including Consul General of India D.C. Manjunath as Chief Guest, Sunnyvale Mayor Saji George, Frisco City Council Member Burt Thakur, Dr A.K. Manjunath, Chairman of the Hindu Dharma Samrakshana Trust Board, Andhra Pradesh, and retired IAS officer Dasari Srinivasulu. They paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi and recalled several pivotal moments from his life and his enduring sacrifices. To symbolise Gandhi’s message of peace, 10 white doves were released into the sky amid applause from the attendees, who then participated in the Peace Walk.
Leaders from the India Association of North Texas, including Rajiv Kamath, Mahendra Rao, B N Rao, Justin Varghese, Shabnam Madgil, Deepak Karla, Dr JP, Murtaza, and Kalai, along with members from the Indian American Friendship Council and Mahatma Gandhi Memorial leaders Dr Prasad Thotakura, Tayyab Kundawala, Murali Vennam, Ranky Chebrolu, Vinod Uppu, and Ananth Mallavarapu, actively participated in the event. Community leaders such as Chandra Pottipati, Chinnasathyam Veernapu, Lakshmi Paleti, Surekha Koya, Kranti Uppu, Chinni, and others were also part of the celebrations.
Sachin Tendulkar extended his gratitude to all the guests and volunteers who contributed to the event’s success, and he acknowledged Vinod Uppu, Head of India Today Cafe, for providing a hot breakfast for the attendees.
