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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline OCTOBER 31, 2025 | The Indian Eye 30

Eternal Gandhi Museum Houston Illuminates Gandhi’s

Legacy with Twin Celebrations of Compassion and Peace

Kailash Satyarthi delivering the keynote address Ricky Kej presenting Gandhi: Mantras of Compassion

OUR BUREAU Mantras of Compassion, created in
collaboration with Satyarthi. Featur-
Houston, TX
ing over 200 artists from 40 countries,
he Eternal Gandhi Museum the album weaves together meditative
Houston (EGMH), the first rhythms and uplifting melodies that
Tmuseum in the Americas ded- honor Gandhi’s philosophy of nonvi-
icated to Mahatma Gandhi’s life olence, empathy, and global harmony.
and teachings, hosted two powerful In recognition of Satyarthi’s hu-
events this fall that reaffirmed its role manitarian work, EGMH unveiled
as a vibrant center of peace, compas- a new panel in its Our Journey ex-
sion, and community engagement. In hibit alongside tributes to Martin
September, the museum presented Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela,
“Gandhi: Mantras of Compassion”, and Betty Williams. The event drew
a musical and reflective tribute fea- dignitaries including Congressman
turing Nobel Laureate Kailash Saty- Al Green, who presented a Certifi-
arthi and Grammy Award-winning cate of Special Congressional Rec-
composer Ricky Kej. Just weeks later, ognition, and Consul General D.C.
EGMH marked Gandhi’s 156th birth Manjunath, who praised EGMH
anniversary with its signature “1000 for fostering peace through culture.
Lights for Peace” celebration, bring- Trustee G.V. Krishnan and Co-found- Kailash Satyarthi and Congressman Al Green in front of the new panel
ing together students, scholars, and er Dr. Manish Wani led the evening,
community leaders to honor the en- while guests enjoyed Indian cuisine
during relevance of Gandhi’s ideals. from Indian Summer, adding warmth Sakina Ali, featured heartfelt student human quest for peace. Congress-
The Gandhi: Mantras of Com- to a night that celebrated moral cour- speeches by Aarav Singh and Rishee man Al Green made a surprise
passion celebration on Septem- age through art and community. Raju, whose reflections on Gandhi’s appearance, offering words of en-
ber 20, 2025, was a deeply mov- On October 5, 2025, EGMH relevance today drew praise from at- couragement and enjoying a tradi-
ing evening blending art, activism, once again glowed—this time in the tendees. tional Indian meal with attendees.
and moral reflection. Nobel Peace soft light of a thousand lamps—as The keynote speaker, Professor Both events reflected EGMH’s
Laureate Kailash Satyarthi, hon- families, students, and volunteers Sourav Chatterjee of Rice University, growing stature as a hub of interfaith
ored for his decades-long crusade gathered to commemorate Gandhi’s explored Gandhi’s influence on mod- understanding and civic inspiration in
against child labor and trafficking, 156th birth anniversary. The 1000 ern ethics and postcolonial thought, Houston. Through the voices of glob-
delivered a keynote address that Lights for Peace program blended seamlessly blending scholarship with al humanitarians like Satyarthi, the
resonated through the packed hall. music, art, and reflection into a joyous moral urgency. The artistic segments, creativity of artists like Kej, and the
“Compassion is not charity,” Satyarthi yet contemplative evening. including performances by The Pra- energy of young students, the museum
declared. “It is justice in action.” His Dr. Manish Wani, who helped na Ensemble, Swar Sangam students, continues to translate Gandhi’s time-
words drew repeated applause as he organize both programs, reflected, and JVB Gyanshalla, added color and less philosophy into living practice.
urged the audience to see compassion “This year’s 1000 Lights for Peace cultural richness to the evening. As guests departed under the
as an active force for change rather was truly remarkable because of The night concluded in harmo- glow of the museum’s symbolic lights,
than passive empathy. the community’s dedication, team- ny as the audience joined together one sentiment echoed across both
The evening also showcased the work, and generosity of spirit.” in singing John Lennon’s “Imag- evenings — that compassion and non-
global language of music through Ricky The event, coordinated by Trustee ine” and Bharat Vyas’s “Jyot Se violence are not memories of the past
Kej’s newly launched album Gandhi: Sanjay Jain and hosted by Trustee Jyot Jagao”, symbolizing the shared but essential mantras for the future.

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