Mahatma Gandhi & United States
United States of America has the largest number of Memorials, Statues and Busts of Mahatma Gandhi, a country he never visited.
Gandhi, he said, has a large following in the United States. It's also because civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr was inspired by the teachings and philosophy of the Mahatma.
Former US president Barack Obama and several top leaders of the US both past and present including Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the US House of Representatives, are self-proclaimed followers of Mahatma Gandhi. And this is the reasons why the US today has the largest numbers of statues and busts outside India.
Unvelling of Mahatma Gandhi Bust at United Nation headquarters in New York City, USA
Mahatma Award
September | New York City
Mahatma Gandhi's influence in the United States can be traced back to the early 20th century when he first gained international recognition for his nonviolent resistance campaigns in South Africa. It was during this time that he began to develop his philosophy of Satyagraha, or truth-force, which would later become the cornerstone of his leadership in the Indian independence movement.
Gandhi's ideas resonated deeply with a number of prominent figures in the United States, including civil rights leaders and social activists. His commitment to nonviolence and his unwavering pursuit of justice served as a source of inspiration for individuals such as Martin Luther King Jr., who would go on to lead the civil rights movement in the United States.
Gandhi's philosophy of nonviolence and his principled approach to social change greatly influenced the American civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s. King, in particular, was profoundly influenced by Gandhi's teachings and actively sought to apply nonviolent resistance in the fight against racial segregation and discrimination in America. The impact of Gandhi's ideas on the civil rights movement continues to be acknowledged and celebrated in the United States today.
The connection between Mahatma Gandhi and the United States serves as a testament to the power of ideas and principles that transcend national boundaries. Gandhi's philosophy of nonviolence and his commitment to social justice continue to inspire individuals and movements in the United States, shaping the country's narrative and aspirations for a more just and inclusive society.
May the connection between Mahatma Gandhi and the United States continue to foster understanding, empathy, and a commitment to peace and justice.
A Message from Wendy Dessy, Associate Director of Corporate and Social Responsibility at Proskauer Rose LLP
Past Winners
The Mahatma Award is presented annually to honor outstanding performance in a wide range of categories to the individuals and organizations. With in-depth categories which cover everything from social good, public service, social work, impact investing, corporate social responsibility as well as a wide scope of sustainable business practices.
Venue
Executive Conference Center
1601 Broadway, Manhattan
AMA’s New York Executive Conference Center is the largest Conference Center in New York City. The Center now encompasses 43 meeting rooms and over 90,000 square feet of meeting space. Conveniently located at 48th and Broadway in the heart of New York City’s Times Square, the Center is within blocks of some of the best restaurants, shops, and entertainment for which New York is famous.
The 6th Floor meeting space includes a spacious lounge overlooking Broadway perfect for business receptions and conference events.
