More than 1000 jubilant crowd consisting of many children, visiting parents and NRI’s from all walks of life gathered to celebrate India’s 73rdIndependence Day Celebrations on August 15, 2019 at Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Plaza in Irving, TX. Dr. Prasad Thotakura, MGMNT Founder Chair hoisted the Indian flag in the midst of thundering applause of cheering crowds. Irving City Mayor Pro Tem Oscar Ward attended the event as Chief guest of Honor. Mr. Gopal Ponangi, Frisco ISD Board of Trustees, Mr. Manish Sethi, Coppell ISD Board of Trustees, Mr. Vatsa Ramanathan, Allen ISD Board of Trustees, Mr. Raj Menon, Collin Community College District Board of Trustees, Mr. Ty Bledsoe, AT & T, AVP – External & Legislative Affairs graced the occasion as special guests. Local musical teacher Swathi presented patriotic songs with her students at this event. MGMNT Board felicitated the elected officials and guests.
Rao Kalvala, MGMNT Secretary welcomed all and introduced Guests to the audience. In his opening remarks, Rao thanked the community and city of Irving officials for their great support in building this Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Plaza.
Dr. Prasad Thotakura, Chairman of Mahatma Gandhi Memorial of North Texas (MGMNT) in his message said “The history of India’s Independence is laced with many struggles and sacrifices of countless people. Mangal Pandey was the first freedom fighter by whose works paved us the way to start our efforts to fight against British to gain Independence. We are all gathered here at Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Plaza, the largest Gandhi memorial in the USA to pay our rich tribute to all freedom fighters and many national leaders especially Mahatma Gandhi who initiated methods like Non-violent resistance, Civil disobedience, Dandi March, Salt Sathyagraha that resulted to attain freedom to India from the British Rule.”
“Currently, India is coming out of decades of status quo mode and heading in a new direction with a resolve of actions like abrogation of provisions of Article 370. Over the past 70 years, there is a lot of growth in Indian economy where its current GDP size is over 3 Trillion dollars with 6.8% growth rate. India is forecast to become the World’s fifth-largest economy this year.” Dr. Prasad Thotakura, Founder Chair, MGMNT said.
John Hammond, MGMNT Co-chair in his closing remarks thanked Chief Guest, all Special guests, TV5 Media, TV9 Media, TV Asia for their media coverage, Bombay studio for photography, DJ Manesh for Audio Video arrangements, Radio Caravan for the promotion and scores of volunteers for making the event grand success. MGMNT Board distributed the Indian and American flags and refreshments at the event.
