A cool breeze passed over the Fresno State Peace Garden on Wednesday night as the community gathered to recognize and honor the life and work of peace activist Mahatma Gandhi on the 147th anniversary of his birth.

The tribute began with the performance of Gandhi’s favorite song, “Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram,” sung by Aniruddha Barhate and a group. Members of the audience joined hands and sang along to the popular devotional tune. ­

Dr. Sudarshan Kapoor, Fresno State faculty member and producer of the event, provided an opening statement: “Today we are celebrating the 147th birthday of a man who taught us how to bring change in a nonviolent and peaceful manner.”

“He taught us how to deal with adversaries in a manner that you could win over hearts and bring them to your own sight,” Kapoor said. “That’s what I learned from him and his struggles and his immense contribution to the concept of bringing people together of different race and religion, of different culture, so that we could live as brothers and sisters on this planet.”

Though Fresno State President Dr. Joseph Castro was unable to attend the vigil, he sent a message paying his respects to the peace activist, which Kapoor shared. ­

“Members of our campus community will join the world community to honor Mahatma Gandhi whose life and teachings are acquiring ever-increasing significance for the survival of our human civilization,” wrote Castro. ­

Following Castro’s message, former university vice president Dr. Judith Kuipers took the stage to say a few words honoring Gandhi’s contribution to the nonviolence movement. In addition, Kuipers recognized Kapoor for his persistence and tenacity toward a campus wide acknowledgement of the nonviolence movement. ­

“Dr. [Martin Luther] King had a big, big dream. I had a very small dream,” Kapoor said. “This Peace Garden [is] on this campus so that our future generations can learn, live right and live together in a more peaceful manner. ­We want to share that.”

Community members walked together toward the memorial statue of Gandhi to place a floral garland around his neck. They included Kuipers and Associated Students Inc. President Tim Ryan. ­

Those who were present in the Peace Garden were invited to place a flower on the statue to pay tribute to the nonviolence activist. ­

“We want to leave that legacy to our present and future generations of this campus so that whenever and wherever they go, they carry the message of love and peace,” Kapoor said. “That’s the only thing that we need.”