Dallas, TX: The Indian American Friendship Council (IAFC) and India Association of North Texas (IANT) have arranged a luncheon meeting to celebrate Mahatma Gandhi Birthday celebrations in honor of Mrs. Usha Gokani, granddaughter of Mahatma Gandhi on October 2 nd , 2011 at FunAsiA, Richardson, TX.

Prasad Thotakura, IAFC TX State Coordinator welcomed Mrs. Gokani and stated Gandhi’s philosophy of peace and non-violence is ever lasting and in every place. It is time to remind ourselves that everything can be possible through patience and persistence. 

Jack Godhwani, IANT President thanked Mrs. Usha Gokani for visiting Dallas as a Chief Guest to celebrate Mahatma Gandhi birthday in form of peace-walk. Prasad Gollanapalli, Sarvodaya leader, who dedicated his life to spread the message of Gandhiji who made Mrs. Gokani’s visit to Dallas possible stated that the Gandhiji’s message is more powerful in all times and can be adopted to yield successful returns.

Mrs. Usha Gokani expressed her pleasure in visiting and meeting with the Indian American community leaders. She shared her memorable experiences with her grandfather Mahatma Gandhi and Granddaughter Kasturba Gandhi. She commended the local leaders for planning to install Mahatma Gandhi statue in Dallas in the very near future. 

Mahatma Gandhi Memorial of North Texas (MGMNT) has been formed with the following members to work on all logistics to install Gandhi Statue in Dallas.

Prasad Thotakura, Chairman; Taiyab Kundawala and Atul Khara as Co chairs. Jack Godhwani, Dilip Patel, Shabnam Modgil, Pete Patel and Rao Kalvala serve as Board members.

The luncheon meeting was attended by IANT and IAFC leaders Prof. Niranjan Tripathy, Balki Chamakura, Swathi Shah, Tapan Padhi, John Hamid, Dr. C.R. Rao, TP Mathew, Rajendra Vankawala, Kuthesh Chowski, Sri Rajagopalan, Moody etc.