Opening in the Fall 2023 Eternal Gandhi Museum Houston, EGMH, will be the first ever full fledged museum in North America, dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi. The museum\u2019s goal is to preserve and proliferate the greatest and most incredible legacy of Mahatma Gandhi, \u201cNonviolent Conflict Resolution.\u201d Please visit www.egmh.org to learn more about this exciting new initiative.<\/p>\n
EGMH took another big step in its journey with a dinner reception honoring Fort Bend County Judge KP George and the Commissioners Court for sponsoring a $475,000 grant under the American Rescue Plan. The auspicious event occurred on Sunday, January 15th, at Indian Summer Modern Cuisine Restaurant at 16260 Kensington Dr, Sugar Land, Texas.<\/p>\n
The evening began with a warm reception. The attendees had the opportunity to view the 3D model of the Eternal Gandhi Museum Houston, showcasing the structure and flow of the actual museum.<\/p>\n
The program began with a recitation of the Universal Prayer, We pray to the God of Sat (Truth) to give us the boon of Ahimsa (Nonviolence) in mind, word and deed, by Emcee Mr. GV Krishnan, Interim Museum Director of EGMH. After welcoming all in attendance, GV highlighted that EGMH would specifically focus on the principles of Peace, Truth, and Nonviolence while based on the life and teachings of Mahatma Gandhi. He also highlighted that this day was also the actual birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, America\u2019s pre-eminent advocate for nonviolence and one of the greatest nonviolent leaders in world history. In honor of MLK, the audience got treated to a short segment of a video presentation from the amazing documentary \u201cA Force More Powerful\u201d. This is a PBS documentary on one of the 20th century\u2019s most important and least-known stories: how the power of nonviolence overcame oppression and authoritarian rule. The segment viewed was about the civil rights movement lead by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.<\/p>\n
Dr. Manish K. Wani then gave an overall update on EGMH. He explained that the museum\u2019s message is transformative: Through the practice of nonviolent conflict resolution, visitors (especially youth) can be catalysts for change in their own lives and communities. He defined the museum\u2019s Vision: A world where conflicts are resolved by nonviolent means; and the Mission: To cultivate universal values of truth, nonviolence, love, peace, and service through education and community dialogue and to encourage visitors to embrace these values in their own lives. The museum project headlined the front page of the River Oaks magazine. The Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas determined that EGMH meets the \u201cStandards for Charitable Accountability.\u201d He explained the construction of the museum is near complete and the installments of all the exhibit has started and would take up to six months.<\/p>\n
He explained that the project budget is $13 million, which includes a $3 million endowment fund. To date, EGMH has raised $7.275 million through various grants, fundraisers and personal donations. Dr. Wani encouraged the audience to participate in this worthy and critical effort. The museum will offer volunteer opportunities and will depend on the entire community\u2019s participation. In conclusion, \u201cNo one knows where the next Gandhi will come from because the power for positive change lives in each of us. We don\u2019t have to adopt his lifestyle to follow in his footsteps. His legacy calls us to do our own part through actions large and small to make a more just, peaceful and harmonious world.<\/p>\n
Mr. G.V. Krishnan, who recently retired, has been appointed as the Interim Museum Director. He is very excited and enthusiastic about his new role and feels there would be no better way to give back to the community that has given him so much. He encouraged the audience to visit the EGMH website and get involved in any possible way.<\/p>\n
Consul General of India, Mr. Aseem Mahajan then addressed the audience. The Consul General pointed out that the construction of the Eternal Gandhi Museum Houston coincides with \u201cAzadi ka Amrit Mahotsav,\u201d the period during which India is celebrating its 75 years of Independence. He said Mahatma Gandhi, throughout his life, remained committed to his beliefs in nonviolence, even under oppressive conditions. In the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges, Mahatma Gandhi\u2019s philosophy, teachings, and thoughts are of great relevance in the world today, Mahajan added. \u201cBecause this is truly one of its kind initiatives where they will connect locally with many schools, institutions and also showcase the life and message of Mahatma Gandhi,\u201d Mahajan said. From this effort, deep ties would form nationally and globally, strengthening bonds between the City of Houston, the United States, and India.<\/p>\n
The Guest of Honor for the evening, Fort Bend County Judge K.P. George was then introduced. He addressed the audience with passion and humility. He was very thankful to be re-elected for a 2nd term and very excited for the growth and opportunities that lay ahead for Fort Bend County. He pointed out that Fort Bend County in 2022 was noted to be the most ethnically diverse county in the United States. He was very appreciative of the efforts and strides made by EGMH and looking forward to the opening of the museum.<\/p>\n
The next speaker was newly elected Commissioner Dexter L. McCoy, a proud product of Fort Bend County, serving Precinct 4 residents on Commissioners Court. Mr. McCoy explained that he learned about Gandhi for the first time in the 1st grade from his grandmother who was an educator. He has been a fan ever since. Commissioner McCoy began his public service career as an appointee in the Obama Administration, where he focused on college access issues and implementing the administration\u2019s agenda to address harassment in our nation\u2019s schools. He has been following the growth of EGMH since he first attended the groundbreaking ceremony in July 2021 and is delighted about the opportunity the museum will provide to students to learn about non-violent conflict resolution. He made a personal donation of $1000 at the event to go towards EGMH.<\/p>\n
Atul Kothari, the founding Trustee of EGMH and the leading spirit behind the project, then addressed the audience and started by thanking the Almighty for everlasting guidance. He extended a vote of thanks to all the advisory board members, volunteers, organizations, foundations, and public officials for their support. He recognized Fort Bend County Judge K.P. George, Consul General Aseem Mahajan, and Commissioner Dexter McCoy for their generosity and support.<\/p>\n
The program concluded with a sumptuous dinner.<\/p>\n
To learn more about the project, please visit www.egmh.org or call 713-785-3900<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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