Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti Celebrated

Edmonton (ATB): Mahatma Gandhi Canadian Foundation for World Peace celebrated its 30th annual Gandhi banquet on October 2nd, commemorating the 149th birthday of the Mahatma Gandhi Ji, at the Fantasyland Hotel. Her Honour, the Honourable Lois E. Mitchell, the Lt. Governor of Alberta and her husband, Honorable Honorary Col. Douglas Mitchell graced the occasion by performing the garlanding of Mahatma Gandhi portrait. They also participated in candle lighting ceremony along with MLA Denise Woollard, Councillor Moe Banga and other dignitaries including Dr. Jodi Abbott, the CEO and president of NorQuest College in Edmonton, who was also the keynote speaker at this noteworthy event.
Dr. Abbott delivered a thought provoking speech to a large audience emphasizing how Gandhi ji’s message of peace, love and non-discrimination is important in today‘s world. She raised concerns about gender inequality by illustrating the recent episode of Serena Williams’s treatment at the US Tennis Open at New York this summer. She stressed that bringing gender equality can bring peace and harmony in our society, a way Gandhi ji would want us to have. This Gandhian way will make our society a peaceful place to work and live.
J’Lyn Nye, the co-host on the afternoon News Talk Show on radio 630 CHED , was the Master of Ceremony for second year in a row and she did an outstanding job in carrying out the evening’s program. By all accounts, it was a very successful event and a memorable evening. Jitendra Shah, the Chair of the Foundation in his welcoming remarks shared that we were gathered to celebrate the values and the legacy Gandhi ji has left behind and how vital is his message of Peace and Harmony in today’s world. The Gandhi Foundation in Edmonton has been promoting and fostering the Peace activities for the past 30 years. Greetings from the Provincial government and the Honourable Rachel Notley. were conveyed by MLA Denis Woolard and on behalf of the Edmonton Mayor, His worship Don Iveson, by Mr. Moe Banga who also presented a proclamation from His worship Don Iveson
The Foundation also recognized Dr. Horst Schmid and Mr. Gurcharan Bhatia for their long term service to the community and support to the Gandhi Foundation. The Foundation has been supporting a luncheon program at the Inner City High School, Edmonton, for some years. To continue with that program, a cheque of $5000 was presented to the school principal Dr. Joe Cloutier on behalf of the Foundation.
The coveted Savita Shah Award for dedicated service to the community was presented to three recipients: Irene Miller, Ms. Heidi Bernhardi, and Mrs. Karuna Joshee.