Annual Gandhi Jayanti at Roma Street Parkland
SPRING HILL, the annual Gandhi Jayanti organized by GOPIO Queensland and supported by FICQ, GSML, Gandhi Statue committee, and other organizations, was held at Gandhi statue near gate six of Roma Street Parkland prescient on 2nd October.
Gandhi Jayanti is one of the three significant events of GOPIO Queensland, which takes place every year. First, the Girmit Diwas is always on 14th May, Then India Day Fair on or around 15th August, and Gandhi Jayanti is always on 2nd October at 9:00 am by Gandhi statue in Roma Street Parkland. Gandhi Salt March Limited organizes the second Gandhi Jayanti at event cinemas in Springfield; the two events are timed so that people can attend both.
Despite the rainy conditions, staunch supporters of the cause gathered at the statue to pay tributes; Umesh Chandra OAM, the MC, welcomed everyone to the event, and mentioned that while we celebrated Gandhi Ji’s birthday, we should not forget Lal Bahadur Shastri Ji who was also born on 2nd October.
Rakesh Sharma, acting president of GOPIO Queensland, welcomed everyone as Prof Prasad Yarlagadda OAM was overseas. Anoop Nannuru, President of FICQ, was the next speaker. Dr. Maha Sinnathamby AM patron of FICQ and GOPIO Qld delivered a very inspirational speech. Mrs. Archana Singh, honorary counsel for India in Queensland, quite eloquently spoke of the relevance of Gandhi Ji’s teaching and philosophy in today’s day and age. In the absence of Jim Varghese AM, Nik Senapati represented GSML and delivered his speech. Dr. Sukhvir Singh spoke on behalf of Arya Samaj Queensland, and Rahul Modi said on behalf of BAPS Swami Narayan Temple. Mr. Hemant Naik and Kalpana Naik led the two popular Gandhi bhajans – Vaishnav Jan tene and Raghu Pati Raghav Ram.
Refreshments, park booking, floral arrangements, and a sound system were arranged and provided by GOPIO Queensland. Special thanks to Mayuresh Lande for his efforts with the facilitation, Irene Bayldon for flowers, Rakesh Sharma, acting president, and Rani Sharma for assisting with refreshments and flowers, etc. Please mark your diaries for next year on 2nd October 2023, 9:00 am at the Gandhi Statue site.
