Page:Report on the Memorial Meeting for Mahatma Gandhi.djvu/1

 :INDIA LEAGUE OF AMERICA
 * 40 East 49th Street
 * New York, N. Y.

A REPORT

ON THE

MEMORIAL MEETING

HELD ON FEBRUARY 7, 1948, AT THE TOWN HALL, NEW YORK, N. Y.

TO PAY TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF

MAHATMA GANDHI

A public Memorial Meeting was held by the India League of America on February 7th, 1948, at the Town Hall, New York, N.Y., to pay tribute to the Saint of India -- Mahatma Gandhi.

More than 1,200 persons of different nationalities, races and creeds were present. Twenty speakers and fifty other distinguished guests sat on the platform. A bronze bust of Mahatma Gandhi, (by Jo Davidson) surrounded by white flowers and three flags — all at half-mast — flooded by a spotlight, was on the right of the stage.

Before the meeting started, Sirdar J. J. Singh, President of the India League of America, who was Chairman of the meeting requested the audience to stand in silent tribute for one minute as a token of homage to Mahatma Gandhi. Mr. Singh also requested the audience not to applaud at any time.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Singh said that besides the flags of India and Pakistan, the old flag of the Indian National Congress was placed in the center of the two, because Mr. Singh explained, “This flag, with the Charkha (spinning wheel) was very near and dear to Mahatma Gandhi. It was under this flag that Mahatma Gandhi waged and won his non-violent battles. So, on this occasion, we consider it most appropriate to place that flag along with those of India and Pakistan.”

SPEAKERS

Thereafter, the chairman called upon the following speakers: