
BY A STAFF REPORTER
CERRITOS, CA – Oct.2, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi was marked with prayer and music here at the Southland’s only installed statue of the Indian leader. He was born on this day in 1869. The ‘Gandhi Day’ event kicked off with over 40 guests gathering around the life size statue of Gandhi, garlanding and lighting...
CERRITOS, CA – Oct.2, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi was marked with prayer and music here at the Southland’s only installed statue of the Indian leader. He was born on this day in 1869. The ‘Gandhi Day’ event kicked off with over 40 guests gathering around the life size statue of Gandhi, garlanding and lighting...

candles. The statue, installed by the law and accounting offices of The Chugh Firm, has become a landmark at the corner of Alondra Blvd. and Carmenita Road intersecting in the cities of Cerritos and Santa Fe Springs, making it a `Gandhi Chowk’ of sorts.
A prayer was offered based on Gandhiji’s favorite devotional song ‘Raghupati Raghava Raja Ram.’ This was followed by speeches which highlighted Gandhi’s legacy of truth, peace and non-violence which continues to influence the world even today.
Navneet Chugh, whose offices hosted the event, spoke on the contributions of Gandhi highlighting the fact that the essence of Gandhi Jayanti is also observed by the United Nations as the ‘International Day of Non-Violence’ that aims at disseminating his philosophy and values through proper education and public awareness. Non- violence is not for the weak but is a weapon of the strong. He urged all gathered to take a pledge to respect and love all cultures, creeds and communities to promote international peace and universal brotherhood.
Others present, including guests were invited to speak and they focused on the need for peace and non-violence in this time of terrorism, hate crimes and intolerance. Adherence to Gandhian values can bring about international peace and prosperity, they said. The event ended with a sumptuous dinner for all guests even as they were kept entertained by a DJ.
A prayer was offered based on Gandhiji’s favorite devotional song ‘Raghupati Raghava Raja Ram.’ This was followed by speeches which highlighted Gandhi’s legacy of truth, peace and non-violence which continues to influence the world even today.
Navneet Chugh, whose offices hosted the event, spoke on the contributions of Gandhi highlighting the fact that the essence of Gandhi Jayanti is also observed by the United Nations as the ‘International Day of Non-Violence’ that aims at disseminating his philosophy and values through proper education and public awareness. Non- violence is not for the weak but is a weapon of the strong. He urged all gathered to take a pledge to respect and love all cultures, creeds and communities to promote international peace and universal brotherhood.
Others present, including guests were invited to speak and they focused on the need for peace and non-violence in this time of terrorism, hate crimes and intolerance. Adherence to Gandhian values can bring about international peace and prosperity, they said. The event ended with a sumptuous dinner for all guests even as they were kept entertained by a DJ.