Jai Shri Ram! Despite the rainy weather, the spirit of peace, unity, remembrance, and community shone brightly as members of our community gathered on Sunday, October 4, 2026, for the 31st Annual Mahatma Gandhi Peace March and COVID-19 Remembrance Memorial. The event was organized by the Federation of Hindu Mandirs, Inc. (USA) in collaboration with the USA Pandits’ Parishad, Inc., under the guidance of Dharmacharya Ram Hardowar Pandey.
The annual march brought participants together in South Richmond Hill to honor the timeless message and legacy of Mahatma Gandhi—peace, nonviolence, compassion, and respect for all humanity. This year’s observance held special significance as we also remembered those who lost their lives during the COVID-19 pandemic and paid tribute to our ancestors with prayers, love, gratitude, and reverence.
The rain did not dampen the determination or spirit of those who gathered. The parade was proudly led by New York City’s brave men and women in blue, our beloved NYPD, together with Detective Neil Narayan, President of the Desi Society. Umbrellas were raised against the rain, but everyone’s moodswere raised even higher. With every step, we were reminded that the true strength of a community is revealed when we remain united, even when circumstances are less than perfect. The march concluded at Phil “Scooter” Rizzuto Park (Smokey Park) with a cultural and spiritual presentation celebrating our heritage and the values that continue to unite our community.
The program was coordinated by Bahen Ji Tara Seetaram and emceed by Dr. Pt. Keshwar Ramkissoon. The program began with prayers offered by Pt. Bhola Adinarayan Sharma, President of the USA Pandits’ Parishad, and Pt. GurdattJagnanan, President of the Federation of Hindu Mandirs, and NYPD Chaplain, Tahir Kukiqi. This was followed by the United States and Indian National Anthems, led by members of the NYPD and the youths of the Federation of Hindu Mandirs. The keynote address was delivered by Pt. RavinSharma, who contributed to the significance of the occasion. The cultural program also featured two beautiful musical selections performed by Vindu Ramnauth and Dadaji Chandra Mohan. The program concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Doodnauth Dasrat, Second Vice President of the Federation of Hindu Mandirs. This was followed by the sacred chanting of the Pitri Suktam and concluding prayers led by Pt. Bhola Adinarayan Sharma and Pt. Gurdatt Jagnanan. Flowers were offered at the roots of the beautiful memorial tree planted to honor and represent the lives of those we have lost over the years.
Heartfelt appreciation to those who helped make this eventmeaningful despite the inclement weather.
The rain may have fallen, but it could not wash away our purpose. May the enduring message of Ahimsa—nonviolence, peace, compassion, and love—continue to inspire and guide generations to come.
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