Houston, TX – October 5, 2025 – The Eternal Gandhi Museum Houston (EGMH) hosted its annual 1000 Lights for Peace program in honor of Mahatma Gandhi’s 156th Birth Anniversary. The evening celebrated his enduring legacy of nonviolence, truth, and peace and brought together a full house for an inspiring and memorable celebration.
Reflecting on the evening, Dr Manish Wani, event presenter and Trustee at EGMH, said, “This year’s 1000 Lights for Peace program was truly remarkable due to the dedication, teamwork, and generosity of spirit of the community.”
The evening was expertly coordinated by Trustee Sanjay Jain, with Trustee Sakina Ali guiding the program as the evening’s MC, ensuring everything flowed smoothly from start to finish.
Middle school winner Aarav Singh and high school winner Rishee Raju delivered eloquent and moving speeches, offering insightful reflections on peace and the enduring relevance of Mahatma Gandhi’s teachings. Their words resonated deeply with the audience, setting a thoughtful and inspiring tone for the evening.
The keynote address was presented by Professor Sourav Chatterjee, Assistant Professor of Transnational Asian Studies at Rice University. Drawing upon his expertise in South Asian literary and visual cultures, postcolonial theory, and graphic narratives, Professor Chatterjee explored the continued significance of Gandhian principles in contemporary society, engaging attendees with both intellectual rigor and accessible insight.
The evening’s artistic presentations added a vibrant and celebratory dimension to the program. The Prana Ensemble enthralled the audience with their evocative music, students of Swar Sangam delivered captivating performances, and JVB Gyanshalla presented two thoughtfully executed skits that skillfully combined entertainment with meaningful reflection.
The evening joyfully concluded with attendees joining together to sing “Imagine” by John Lennon and “Jyot Se Jyot Jagao” by Bharat Vyas, followed by a shared meal on the museum patio. In a delightful surprise moment, Congressman Al Green stopped by just in time for a plate of channa masala, sharing a few encouraging words and expressing his support for the incredible work the Eternal Gandhi Museum continues to do in Houston.
The Eternal Gandhi Museum Houston extends its deepest gratitude to all volunteers, board members, staff, performers, and attendees who contributed to making this celebration of Gandhi’s birthday such a success. Each person’s efforts, from stage management to serving dinner, helped create a warm, inspiring, and meaningful experience for all.
Pencil this event into your calendars for 2026!
