“This statue for me holds immense value because Gandhi ji holds a torch to a bright and peaceful future. My purpose in starting this foundation is to make people (young and old) understand Gandhi ji's gifts to the world”, says Vani. Only 17 years old, she has taken on the challenge of collecting $218,000 to prevent the bank’s takeover of the statue. Vani is the daughter of Veena and Vivek Manchanda of Natick, MA. She is a senior at Montrose School. She talked to Lokvani about her accomplishments, challenges that she has faced and her new project.

It is commendable that you have taken on such a wonderful project. Could you tell us a little about yourself?

I was born in Delhi and moved to Natick when I was four years old. I go to Montrose School, which is a private middle/high school in Medfield. I have been fortunate to be fairly skilled in academics. I am assistant editor for school paper and speech team captain. I established a yoga club and I am a treasurer and secretary of the National Honor Society at school.

I am very interested in Indian Classical dance and hope to do my Arangetram next year. I have attended Bal Vihar for many years and I am truly indebted to my gurus Abhaya and Jaya Asthana for helping shape my identity as an Indian American who is proud of her Indian heritage. I learnt so much about Indian history from them. They also showed me the beauty of Hinduism and I have learned to appreciate this rational, open and tolerant religion whose tenets are as relevant today as they were many thousands of years ago.

How did you get involved with the Gandhi Statue project?

I used to pass by the Gandhi Statue every day on my way to school. I revere Gandhi ji and viewing the statue was a special moment for me each day. One day I read a news article that this beautiful eight-feet high statue carved by a renowned Georgian Sculptor was going to be confined to a warehouse. I was shocked. There is a debt on the statue of $218,000 that had to be paid by the end of June.

I thought it was imperative to act quickly. I decided to meet the abbey chaplain and owner Dot Walsh and Mr. Lewis Randa. Along with Mr. Hemendra Acharya, Paresha Acharya , Abhaya Asthana and my mother Veena Manchanda, I visited the Peace Abbey and tried to understand the issue and to see how we could solve the problem. Mr. Randa, the owner of the Peace Abbey was pleased to see my enthusiasm. He gifted me a bust sculptor of Gandhi ji and suggested that the best way to collect funds was to establish a non-profit organization. As per his suggestion we have established the Gandhi Shanti Foundation Ltd. This is now a registered non-profit organization and the mission is to collect funds in order to save the Gandhi statue in Sherborn, Massachusetts. Thus began my quest to save the statue and I sincerely hope and pray that I can do it.

The bank has given a slight reprieve to the owners and they have until Sept 1 to make a decision.

Can you tell us as to how this Gandhi Statue came to be at the Peace Abbey and why the sudden issue with its removal?

The Peace Abbey is known throughout the world for its work to promote nonviolence and social justice. Lewis Randa, the director commissioned this Statue of Gandhi on the 125 birth centennial of Gandhi ji.
The abbey, founded 35 years ago on the grounds of a former library in downtown Sherborn, was only able to raise a fraction of the money needed to pay off its $218,000 debt by the end of the fiscal year June 30. While they have some donations it nowhere near $218,000.

The Peace Abbey hoped a wealthy benefactor would pay $5.5 million to buy the property and agree to let the abbey remain on its grounds - but none have materialized. The group is home to a memorial containing the cremated remains of conscientious objectors to war and a monument dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi. The abbey is owned by the Life Experience School in Millis, and while the school is financially sound, the abbey's funding problems could impact the school. If the abbey's land is sold, the goal would be to separate the abbey from the school itself.

The owners say that at this time when our country is involved in war the donation for an abbey dedicated to peace is hard to come by. The Abbey also believes in non-violence towards all beings. There is also a sculpture dedicated to Emily the Cow who escaped from a slaughter house and found a home at the Abbey.

What has been the response so far to the fundraising efforts?

People have been very supportive. We have already received pledges for approximately $15,000. If only 200 people could give $1000 or if 2000 people could give $100 each we could save the statue. I hope when I go to the Hatch shell at India day, I can convince people there to contribute. Money contributed by forgoing a single cup of Starbuck’s coffee by all of us can go a long way.

Does the Gandhi Shanti foundation have a long term mission as well?

Yes. I am committed to keeping the message of Gandhi alive. I will be spreading the teachings of Gandhi ji to students by organizing a Gandhi March. Gandhi ji has always and will always be my inspiration in life. I wish to educate others on timeless and universal principles that Gandhi lived for: simple living, fearlessness, harmony, acceptance, ahimsa and justice for all.  My vision is to have the world as an abode of peace and harmony, free from all sorts of strife.

I envision Gandhi ji as a symbol of peace, bravery and freedom. It is hard to describe such a man who is so influential all around the world. I can only try to make Gandhi ji's teachings relevant to all members of society and future generations.

Does the challenge of this great task overwhelm you?

Life is always full of challenges. I was diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes in tenth grade which seemed like a big challenge. While it was not easy I was able to bring it under control. It required discipline, focus and hard work. It also taught me not to get deterred by problems and adverse criticism but to remain focused and work hard to overcome challenges.

What is your vision for your future?

I would like to major in Psychology and History. My personal experience with diabetes has taught me how to live a happy life even when difficulties surround you. I know that despite difficulties I matter and that I can make a huge impact on the world if I choose to. As a psychologist I would like to help people who sometimes are not able to handle difficult situations.

I will continue to work for the cause of peace. The Hindu religion is based on the notion of peace and non-violence and I hope to work on spreading the message.

Thank you for your time

Thank you for yours

We urge you to donate to this worthy cause. It is really simple..Have your credit card ready , make a donation and save Gandhi's statue !

Donations  be sent to the (Our collections will be sent to this foundation)

Gandhishanti Foundation
c/0 The Peace Abbey
Two North Main Street
Sherborn, MA 01770
Abbey Office: (508) 655-2143
Fax: (508) 376-6246
info@peaceabbey.org

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