October 2, 2026 | Minnesota History Center, St. Paul, Minnesota

The India Association of Minnesota (IAM) proudly hosted its annual Nonviolence and Gandhi Remembrance Day on Friday, October 2, 2026, at the Minnesota History Center. The evening brought together community leaders, distinguished guests, human rights advocates, cultural performers, and members of the community to honor the enduring legacy of Mahatma Gandhi and reaffirm the importance of nonviolence, compassion, justice, and human dignity.

“Non-violence is not passivity. It is the strongest force the world possesses.”

This year’s celebration carried a powerful message: Ahimsa is more than a lesson from history; it is a living commitment that shapes our communities today. It is about protecting our children, uplifting our neighbors, standing up for human rights, and building a stronger, more compassionate Minnesota.

Art, Culture, and the Spirit of Belonging

As guests arrived at the Minnesota History Center, they were welcomed by the inspiring “I Belong Here” art installation, featuring five canvases. Dr. Bruce Corrie, founder of Cultural Destinations, introduced the significance of the artwork and invited attendees to add their initials, making the installation a collective expression of belonging and community.

The atmosphere was further enriched by lively musical performances from the Jim Bend Tensil Band.

Inside the Dr. S. K. Dash Rotunda, IAM Board members warmly welcomed guests. Several community organizations and exhibitors were also present, including Compassionate Action for Animals, Peacemaker Minnesota, Sehgal Foundation, Raj Rajan’s Gandhi Books, Twin Cities Non-Violent, Circle of Belonging, Rotary Club, Satyarthi Foundation, and Prem Rawat Foundation. Their participation provided an opportunity for attendees to learn about their missions, engage in meaningful conversations, and explore ways to contribute to positive change.

The evening also offered a wonderful opportunity for networking and reconnecting with friends and community members over a social gathering.

A special thank-you goes to our food partner, Godavari, for providing a wonderful dinner for our guests.

Community Leadership and Special Guests

IAM President Mangala Acharya officially welcomed the gathering and highlighted the importance of continuing Gandhi’s legacy through community engagement and collective action.

Kent Whitworth, representing the Minnesota Historical Society and Minnesota History Center, spoke about the longstanding partnership between the Minnesota History Center and IAM and the importance of engaging with Minnesota’s Indian American community.

The evening was gracefully hosted by Geyasree Badri, IAM intern, who served as the emcee.

Minnesota Proclaims October 2 as Nonviolence Day

One of the evening’s significant highlights was the official proclamation by Governor Tim Walz, recognizing October 2 as Nonviolence Day in Minnesota.

The proclamation was presented to IAM President Mangala Acharya by Nekey Oliver, representing the Governor’s office. This recognition reflects the importance of promoting nonviolence, understanding, and peaceful coexistence throughout Minnesota.

Gandhi Vision Awards: Honoring Extraordinary Contributions

A major highlight of the celebration was the presentation of the Gandhi Vision Awards, recognizing individuals whose extraordinary contributions embody the principles of justice, compassion, equality, and service to humanity.

Justice Alan Page

A celebrated former Minnesota Supreme Court Justice, Minnesota Vikings legend, Pro Football Hall of Famer, and tireless advocate for educational equity, Justice Alan Page was recognized for his outstanding contributions to society. A donation was also presented to the Page Education Foundation in support of its mission to advance educational opportunities for students.

Kailash Satyarthi

The 2014 Nobel Peace Laureate, Kailash Satyarthi, was honored for his lifelong commitment to protecting children’s rights and fighting child exploitation. Through his remarkable work, he has helped liberate more than 130,000 children from exploitation and trafficking. A donation was also presented to the Kailash Satyarthi Children’s Foundation in support of its continued mission.

The evening featured a powerful conversation on justice and human dignity, bringing together Justice Alan Page and Kailash Satyarthi. The discussion was expertly moderated by Fred de Sam Lazaro, Director of the Under-Told Stories Project and a correspondent for PBS NewsHour.

Their perspectives and experiences offered attendees an inspiring reminder that the pursuit of justice and human dignity requires courage, compassion, and sustained commitment.

Celebrating Indian Culture Through Dance

Adding to the cultural richness of the evening was a stunning Kathak dance performance by Shilpi Chatterjee of Katha Dance. The performance beautifully showcased India’s classical artistic heritage and added a memorable cultural dimension to the celebration.

Recognizing Grassroots Organizations Advancing Human Rights

Beyond honoring distinguished individuals, IAM was proud to spotlight nine extraordinary grassroots organizations working to protect human rights, promote inclusion, and strengthen communities across Minnesota.

The featured organizations were:

• COPAL (Comunidades Organizando el Poder y la Acción Latina)
• Unidos MN
• CAPI (Communities Advancing Prosperity for Immigrants)
• Iglesia Dios Habla Hoy (DHH Church)
• SAHARA (South Asian Allies)
• SAATH (South Asian Arts & Theater House)
• SEWA-AIFW (Asian Indian Family Wellness)
• Pangea World Theater
• Twin Cities Nonviolent (TCNV)

Their work represents the power of grassroots leadership and the importance of standing together to create a more inclusive, equitable, and compassionate society.

A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Community

An event of this scale and significance would not have been possible without the dedication and commitment of many individuals and organizations.

IAM extends its sincere appreciation to the IAM Board members for their tireless efforts behind the scenes in planning and delivering such a meaningful evening. We are equally grateful to our past presidents, whose continued guidance, encouragement, and support remain invaluable to the organization.

A special acknowledgment goes to Guhan Vaidyanathan, who generously volunteered his time and talent as the event photographer, helping preserve the memorable moments of the celebration.

We also extend our heartfelt thanks to the Minnesota History Center for its longstanding partnership and continued support of this annual event. The assistance and hospitality of its staff played an important role in making the evening a success.

Finally, IAM gratefully acknowledges the Dr. S. K. Dash Foundation for its generosity and support in making this event possible.

Continuing Gandhi’s Legacy Through Action

The 2026 Nonviolence and Gandhi Remembrance Day was more than an annual commemoration. It was a gathering that connected history with today’s challenges, celebrated those working for justice, recognized community leadership, and inspired individuals to make a difference.

As we reflect on Mahatma Gandhi’s timeless message of Ahimsa, let us remember that nonviolence begins with each of us, in our words, our actions, our communities, and the way we treat one another.

Together, let us continue building a Minnesota where compassion, equality, peace, and human dignity are not just ideals but everyday practices.

India Association of Minnesota (IAM)