Representatives from The Gandhi Foundation, city of Bellevue, and others attended a celebration of Mahatma Gandhi’s 150th birthday at the Bellevue Library on Tuesday, Oct. 2.

Just outside the Bellevue Library stands a statue of Gandhi himself, installed in 2009 by the National Federation of Indian-American Associations (NFIAA) and the Federation of Indian American Association Washington (FIAWA).

The recognition of Gandhi’s 150th birthday had attendees from the NFIAA, FIAA, The Gandhi Foundation, along with Bellevue Mayor John Chelminiak and Bellevue City Councilmember Conrad Lee. Many of the attendees spoke to the group about Gandhi’s message and the meaning of his ideals in Bellevue.

Gandhi was an Indian activist from the Indian independence movement who spoke out against British rule. He was assassinated in 1948.

Twisha and Prem Prakash, both board members of the United Kingdom-based organization The Gandhi Foundation, helped to organize the gathering. Now Bellevue residents, they spoke about how they have been inspired by Gandhi’s ideals and how they give back through the foundation.

The foundation was founded by the late English actor, filmmaker and politician Richard Attenborough, and works to promote Gandhi’s teaching through educational events and sponsors schools in India.

“Incessant rain did not deter people from staying back and speaking at length about Gandhi, India, life as an immigrant in America and achievements of both nations,” Twisha said of the local celebration.