SURESH BODIWALA
CHICAGO: World Environment Day and the 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi were observed June 5 at Gandhi Statue in Heritage Park on McCormick Blvd’ in Skokie, a Chicago suburb. The event was hosted by members of Gandhi Memorial Chicago (GMC), with support of the Indian Consulate, Chicago, and in partnership with the Village of Skokie
One of the highlights of the nearly three-hour event was tree planting underlying the importance of greenery and environmental protection
The UN had declared June 5 as World Environment Day and urged the people of the world to plant as many trees as they could around them.
The GMC determined that the area near the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in the Skokie Sculpture Park, would be an ideal place to celebrate this event.
Pramod Shah, Village Clerk of Skokie, was a good guide through the entire process. George Van Dusen, Mayor of Skokie, the Consul General of India and consulate staff, and a large group of guests from Metropolitan Asian Family Services (MAFS, under the leadership of Shanta Kumar joined the celebrations.
Master of Ceremony Satish Chander started the program with the singing of ‘Raghupati Raghava Raja Ram’.
Mayor Van Dusen addressed the crowd followed by the Consul General who spoke about the significance of World Environment Day. Skokie forester Cathy took control of the proceedings selecting five spots on the ground around Gandhi statue to plant two shady and three flowering trees.
Thank You For Your Vote!
Sorry You have Already Voted!
