Celebrating Gandhi's legacy of peace in Festival of Unity

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

Charlotte, North Carolina—‘We talk (and engage in dialogue) to  continue our struggle for quality inclusion for a better tomorrow.”

Thus said former Charlotte mayor Jennifer Roberts in an interview minutes after she delivered her welcome message to the participants and guests to the Gandhi Festival for Unity.  

“We are still struggling for unity, we are still struggling for equality but we can solve the challenges if we continue to work forward,” the former mayor said in citing Gandhi’s legacy.  Roberts said democracy works better if people can participate, vote and make their views known to their leaders and their opinion is valued.

Roberts, who wore an Indian inspired blouse or top, reminded everyone of the teachings of the great Indian leader Mahatma Gandhi who spoke of how each person is worthy of respect.

The annual celebration of the Gandhi Festival for Unity began during Roberts’ time as county commissioner of Charlotte, said Nimish Bhatt, past president of the Carolinas Asian American Chamber of Commerce (CAACC) and current Vice-Chair

Bhatt, this year’s George L Maddox Awardee, said Roberts understood the Asian community’s values, sense of unity and commitment to growth for everyone.  

Roberts even recounted that there were generous folks in the Indian community who reserved a place for a statue of Mahatma Gandhi that would inspire people to work for peace and equality and make connections to people across the world. 

For her part, Dr. Nini Bautista, past CAACC president recalled how Gandhi’s brass statue arrived in Charlotte and the people who made it possible.

Among those who attended the festival were Councilwoman Dimple Ajmera, County Commissioner Mark Jerrell, music professor Mei Wang, Phin Xaypangna and many others.  The Gandhi Festival for Unity is sponsored and organized by the CAACC.

CAACC President Ann Aquino Gonzalez was among the prime movers for the annual event held to mark Gandhi’s legacy of peace.

Gandhi’s birthday is on Oct. 2.  The festival was held at Martin Luther King/Marshall Park and the program consisted of a recognition ceremony, the International Drum Circle headed by Mei Wang and cultural performances. 

Among those who performed was the Philippine Cultural Dance Troupe with Florami Cordero Lee,  Dorena Reynolds and Elizabeth Bacalzo
 Onia.