US doctor with Indian roots propagating Gandhi's principles

NELLORE:  Noted ophthalmologist from Chicago in USA, Dr. Sriram Sonti, an ardent follower of Gandhi’s principles, has started a Global Gandhi Youth Council on Saturday for those between 15–30 years of age to reawaken Mahatma’s spirit and values within the current generation of youth within the USA, South Africa, India and the UK.

It is Dr Sriram’s initiative that let to the United States Postal Service releasing a stamp in honour of Mahatma Gandhi on his 150th Birth Anniversary in 2019.

Now, for getting the council approved, he has collected about 5,000 signed letters from people across the USA. The proposal for the council has the backing of Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi and Congresswoman Robin Kelly.

Speaking to Deccan Chronicle over phone from USA, the noted ophthalmologist, an alumnus of All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi who has his roots in Ramachandrapuram of East Godavari, said: “We have appealed that Pietermaritzburg Gandhi Memorial be converted into a pilgrimage site for believers of Gandhian values of peace through non-violence. Many Indians visit Chicago. Similarly, Pietermaritzburg Railway Station needs to be visited by all Indians as a most revered site, where the movement of non-violence started on June 7, 1893, when Mohandas Gandhi was evicted from the first-class compartment due to the apartheid culture prevalent within the local British government.”

Dr. Sriram said he had attended the 150th Birth Anniversary Celebrations of Mahatma Gandhi organised by Pietermaritzburg Gandhi Memorial Committee under the leadership of David Gengan at the railway station. Those present included Indian High Commissioner Jaideep Sarcar, Ela Gandhi and Sarvodaya Prasad.

The noted ophthalmologist is a recipient of Mahatma Gandhi Service Award presented by Integrated Telugu Cultural and Literary Association to mark the 75th Anniversary of Indian Independence celebrations.
In 1999, Dr. Sriram had visited Gandhiji’s Tolstoy Farm and Phoenix Settlement in Durban, South Africa. His Gandhian mission started when he visited the Pietermaritzburg Railway Station.