On October 25, the Mahatma Gandhi Community Center (MGCC) celebrated Diwali – the festival of lights – at the Coventry Recreation Community Center in Coventry, Rhode Island. Nearly 300 participants, representing the global community of all races, colors, and ethnic backgrounds, joined together to enjoy the spirit and festivities of Diwali, the triumph of good and light over the forces of evil and darkness. The center of attraction was an interfaith sanctuary representing all major religions of the world in accordance with the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi.

On this occasion, the MGCC recognized the Institute for Poverty Awareness & Education (IPAE), an organization started by a native Rhode Islander, GiGi Colson. IPAE is a non-profit, charitable organization that does the difficult but immensely satisfying hands-on work to alleviate poverty in the rural parts of India. All funds raised on the occasion were donated to IPAE.

The Honorable Senator Jack Reed was the Chief Guest of the evening. He presented Colson with a plaque of honor and distinction recognizing IPAE’s service among the poorest of us. Senator Reed thanked the community for being a vibrant part of the American societal fabric, and remarked that he always feels at home with the Indian American community. He commented that America and India are sister democracies and thus share a common destiny in promoting freedom and liberty all over the world. He praised the Indian American community for its prolific contributions to American culture and society. He urged that while becoming full-fledged Americans, the community must strive to keep its unique ethnic culture alive and vibrant, so that not only Indian Americans but also Americans may be thereby enriched.

Swami Shree Yogi Satyam, Kriya-Yoga Scientist & Master, briefly explained the benefits of Kriya Yoga to an attentive audience, explaining that meditation is the only avenue through which a human can find lasting happiness in this world. He also described how India and America were two great countries with a common destiny. He recalled with affection that it was America that opened the door to Swami Vivekananda and enabled him to spread his message of Vedanta throughout the world. Similarly, it was America that received Swami Yogananda with open arms and enabled him to teach the ancient technique of Kriya Yoga to the rest of the world.

Father Varghese, a priest from Catholic Diocese of Providence, RI, invoked the Blessings of the Almighty. An Interfaith Prayer, consisting of a composite of Hindu, Christian, Islamic, Buddhist, and Zoroastrian prayers, was played to a reverent and eclectic audience.

Colson, founder & executive director of IPAE, presented a power point presentation of the work that she and her organization are doing in different parts of rural India, to help the poor, especially women. She has visited India at least 15 times in the last two decades and has lived among the people she is helping. She has instituted the well-known Grameen Bank concept in India, which is becoming hugely successful. Over 250 poor women have become self-sufficient with businesses they started as a result of the loans provided by through IPAE and their team partner in India, Swaraj.

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