Marking the anniversary of the birth of Mahatma Gandhi has become a tradition at SUNY Old Westbury, a University committed to developing in its students a passion for learning and a commitment to building a more just and sustainable world.
October 2 was the 156th anniversary of Gandhi's birth and that morning University officials welcomed friends from the local community and the Consul General of the Consulate General of India, New York to campus for a quiet ceremony at the Gandhi Peace Garden on campus.
Highlighting the ceremony were remarks from Ambassador Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, the Consul General of the Consulate General of India, New York.
On hand for the event was Arvind Vora and other supporters of the Shanti Fund, a Long Island based charitable organization committed to enlightenment and peace through education.
SUNY Old Westbury and the Shanti Fund partner in efforts to increase conversation on issues related to social action, equity and justice. In 2019, the Shanti Fund led efforts that brought the Gandhi Peace Garden to campus to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Gandhi’s birth. The Gandhi Peace Garden is a stand of 150 trees on campus that includes the state tree from each of the 50 United States. It’s creation was a unique collaborative undertaking where SUNY Old Westbury provided space, the Consulate General of India took a leadership role in planning and outreach, individuals and organizations across the region donated funds to sponsor each tree, and the Shanti Fund coordinated among all participants to ensure a successful completion.
In 2021, through a Shanti Fund donation to the Old Westbury College Foundation, Inc., the University agreed to incorporate “Gandhi Lectures” into its “Social Justice Lecture Series.” The Gandhi Lectures are designed to bring to campus speakers whose expertise and experiences reflect such Gandhian ideals as unity, integrity, selflessness, nonviolence and social action.