TIMES SQUARE, NEW YORK CITY (TIP): Indian American organizations in association with the Federation of Indian Associations of NY NJ CT NE held a non-religious  and  non-political gathering to lodge community’s protest against the recent series of hate crime episodes. Community representatives also expressed concern on the recent and multiple brazen attacks on Mahatma Gandhi’s statue in NY city and other US cities. Moment of silence and prayers were held to pay tribute to the victims and  the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice to keep us all safe.

Consul General of India Randhir Jaiswal paid his tribute to the victims of 9/11. He also emphasized on the need to renew our commitment and resolve to be vigilant against hate crimes and terrorism and to embrace peace-filled harmony and non-violence which are also the preaching of India’s Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi.

Mr. Prem Bhandari, Jaipur foot USA Chairman, said that there is a lot to learn from the values that Mahatma Gandhi embodies and strongly condemned the recent incidents of vandalism where the statue of the great global leader was desecrated and destroyed. He demanded strict action by the administration  to punish those responsible for vandalism. FIA President Mr. Kenny Desai said that there is nothing better than a peaceful march to convey our protest and bring the issue to the attention of concerned authorities as they continue to look the other way and take no major steps to address the issue.

FIA Chairman Mr. Ankur Vaidya said that as we remember and honor those who lost their lives on this day,  we should work peacefully with a committed resolve to abolish extremism and hate-crime. Others who spoke on the occasion included, among others,  Deputy Consul General  Dr. Varun Jeph,  Chairman of Bihar Foundation of North America Mr. Alok Kumar  and  The Indian Panorama Chief Editor Prof. Indrajit S Saluja Prayers and Hymns were offered during the solemn affair.