Community leaders pay tribute to Gandhi’s role in India’s freedom struggle and honor the legacy of the former prime minister’s “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan” slogan.

By: Staff Writer

The Gandhi Memorial Foundation of Chicago celebrated the 157th birth anniversary of Rashtrapita Mahatma Gandhi on Friday, October 2, at the Gandhi statue in Heritage Park on McCormick Boulevard in Skokie, bringing together community leaders, dignitaries and members of the Indian American community to honor Gandhi’s enduring legacy of truth, nonviolence and service.

The celebration also commemorated the birth anniversary of India’s second prime minister, Lal Bahadur Shastri, whose birthday falls on the same day. Speakers reflected on the contributions of both national leaders to India’s history and nation-building.

The celebrations were graced by Skokie Mayor Ann Tennes and Village Trustee Jim Iverson, along with other community representatives and dignitaries. Among the special attendees were India’s Cabinet Minister Piyush Goyal and the newly appointed Consul General of India for the Midwest, Dr. M. Anand Prakash.

Keynote speakers included Dr. Santosh Kumar, Dr. Vijay Prabhakar, community leaders Rakesh Malhotra, Sohan Joshi and Pramod Joshi, and Dr. Avi Verma, publisher of IndoUS Tribune.

The speakers highlighted Gandhi’s pivotal role in India’s independence movement and his commitment to truth, nonviolence, simplicity and peaceful resistance. They observed that Gandhi’s philosophy continues to offer lessons for societies confronting conflict, division and inequality.

Gandhi’s leadership helped transform India’s freedom struggle into a mass movement, inspiring millions to challenge British colonial rule through nonviolent civil disobedience. His ideals also gained international influence, shaping movements for civil rights and social justice around the world.

The gathering also remembered Lal Bahadur Shastri, who led India as prime minister from 1964 to 1966. His famous slogan, “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan”—meaning “Hail the Soldier, Hail the Farmer”—recognized the vital contributions of the armed forces and farmers to the nation’s security, food supply and progress. Speakers recalled Shastri’s simplicity, integrity and dedication to public service.

A special tribute was paid to Dr. Santosh Kumar for her longstanding service to Chicagoland’s senior community. Speakers recognized her work in community welfare and her commitment to supporting older adults, emphasizing the importance of carrying forward the values of compassion and service exemplified by Gandhi.

Organized by the Gandhi Memorial Foundation, the annual observance serves as a reminder of India’s freedom struggle and the continuing relevance of its national leaders’ ideals among the diaspora.

The celebration concluded with a renewed call to uphold Gandhi’s message of peace and nonviolence, Shastri’s spirit of service, and the shared responsibility to build stronger, more compassionate communities.