October 2nd is Gandhi Jayanti. Mahatma Gandhi was born on the crossroads of our history and gave the country, India, its freedom from one hundred years of British rule and a purposeful direction. He made his mark as a reformer, as a thinker, and as a liberator. He was a practical idealist. Gandhi believed in that no society, state or any other institution has any worth or importance apart from its part in contributing to the growth of the individuals of which it is composed. He championed the cause of equality, human rights and social justice throughout his life.
The celebration of "Gandhi Jayanti" was held on October 2nd, 2014, the 145th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, with 4th Annual Building Bridges Award reception. The event honored four women leaders who had emulated Gandhi by their commitment and dedication in service to others in the community while making a huge difference in peoples' lives:
Justice Mary Yu, Washington State Supreme Court
Diane Narasaki, Executive Director, Asian Counseling and Referral Service
Pramila Jayapal, Immigrant’s Rights Activist; Founder of One America, and
Dr. Ratna Roy, Founder of Urvashi Dance company, Professor and faculty member for Performing Arts at the Evergreen State College, Olympia, WA
The Governor's office has been requested to proclaim October 2nd, 2014 as the "Day of Gandhi" in the State of Washington. Mayor of Bellevue, Ms. Claudia Balducci was the Guest of Honor.
