Houston celebrates Gandhi Week

Houston will conclude its celebration of Gandhi Week this Sunday at City Hall with an event called 1000 Lights for Peace. The event will commence with a peace torch relay, beginning at the Gandhi statue in Hermann Park at 3:30 p.m. and ending at the steps of City Hall just after 5. At City Hall, Mayor Bill White will give an address to thousands of participants during a candlelit ceremony which lends the event its name. In his address the Mayor will also proclaim October 1, 2006, Houston Peace Day in honor of Mahatma Gandhi. The event will also include a multi-cultural entertainment program and activities for children. Those attending the ceremony will be prompted to make a commitment to practicing peace in their personal lives and promoting Gandhi's message of peace and non-violence.

Gandhi Week is sponsored by the Mahatma Gandhi Library, as well as over 50 religiosly affiliated and secular local organizations. The celebration has included speech, essay, and poster contests for children, as well as screenings of Gandhi- and peace-related movies and specials on KUHT. There have also been field trips and exhibits, all designed to promote the practice of peace and non-violence.

What: 1000 Lights for Peace
When: Sunday, October 1 at 5:30 p.m.
Where: City Hall Reflection Pool