In the heart of Las Vegas, amidst the dazzling lights and vibrant excitement, a different kind of light kindled a fateful evening on October 1st; a light that would forever entwine the memory of the tragic Route 91 Harvest Festival shooting. That night, as music played and people danced, an unanticipated darkness descended.
Yet, amidst the shattered hopes and broken spirits, there was a flicker of hope that refused to be extinguished. This flicker found its way into the hearts of the community, igniting a determination to turn tragedy into a force for good. The resilience of the people was matched only by the resilient values of a man who had walked the path of nonviolence over half a century ago – Mahatma Gandhi.
As the clock strikes 10:05-10:16 PM on October 1, 2023, let the world pause to remember the victims of the Las Vegas shooting. Let this be a time of reflection, and a time of unity. For on that night for Las Vegas, that very day, across the world in India, it was Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary which also coincides with the UN International Day of Nonviolence. In a remarkable convergence of dates, the darkness of violence was met with the light of nonviolence.
This poignant event, to be held on October 1, 2023, at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, is more than a mere film screening. It is a tribute to those who had suffered, a tribute to the strength of the human spirit, and a tribute to the unwavering message of nonviolence that Gandhiji had championed.
"Ahimsa— Gandhi: The Power of the Powerless" narrates the global impact of Gandhi's philosophy of nonviolence, a philosophy that found resonance with figures like Martin Luther King Jr., who championed civil rights, and Nelson Mandela, who fought for equality and justice against apartheid.
Through the words and stories of those who were inspired by Gandhiji's teachings, the film highlights the incredible ripple effect of nonviolence. From the streets of the United States to the halls of South African justice, from the Polish Solidarity Movement to the Velvet Revolution of Czechoslovakia, the thread of nonviolence weaves a tapestry of change and transformation.
The roster of revered individuals who lent their voices and experiences to the film is awe-inspiring: His Holiness The 14th Dalai Lama, Rajmohan Gandhi, Arun Gandhi, Ela Gandhi, Lech Walesa, Martin Luther King Jr III, US Congressman John Lewis, and others whose lives had been touched by the transformative power of nonviolence.
The title track “AHIMSA," composed by the legendary A. R. Rahman and featuring U2's Bono, carries a melody that transcends borders, languages, and cultures; much like the message of nonviolence itself.
Our event is more than a film screening. It is a call to action, a plea to honor the memory of those lost through a commitment to creating a more peaceful world. It is a moment of unity, where the heartache of one tragedy was met with the healing power of nonviolence. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring relevance of ‘Gandhiji.’
In a world where violence dominates the news-cycle, "Ahimsa— Gandhi: The Power of the Powerless" reminds us that in the face of darkness, the light of nonviolence can lead us to a better tomorrow.
As hearts are moved by the stories on screen, the call to support the message of Ahimsa echoes through our hearts as one and ensures that the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi's principles will continue to shine brightly, lighting the path towards a more peaceful world.
Event Overview:
We are honored to present an upcoming film screening event that holds profound significance for our community and the world at large. Titled "Ahimsa— Gandhi: The Power of the Powerless," The event takes place October 1, the sixth anniversary of the tragic Las Vegas mass shooting at the Route 91 Harvest Festival, which deeply impacted our community. Oct. 1, 2017, 10:05-10:16 PM PT coincides with Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary on October 2 in India, the UN International Day of Nonviolence. This special event is hosted by the University Nevada, Las Vegas. This event is a testament to the enduring principles of education, nonviolence, and social impact.
Event Significance:
This event is a tribute to the victims of violence and a celebration of the resilience of our community. It serves as a powerful reminder that nonviolence, as advocated by Mahatma Gandhi, can be a beacon of light even in the darkest of times. By bringing together the values of education and nonviolence, we aim to create a space for healing, reflection, and inspiration.
https://www.gandhiforchildren.org/ahimsa-gandhi-unlv-premiere-screening/
