SKOKIE – State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) hosted a fireside chat with a panel of activists that included Ela Gandhi, granddaughter of Mahatma Gandhi.

Mandali Buddha Prasad, former Deputy Speaker of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, and David Grengan, President of the Pietermaritzburg Gandhi Committee RSA, also sat on the panel. Villivalam and the panelists discussed Gandhi’s civil rights work, his commitment to nonviolent resistance and his dedication to bridging racial and religious divides.

“It was inspiring to hear from the panelists about their pursuit of justice in today’s political environment,” Villivalam said. “They are working hard to ensure that Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy is not forgotten.”

Villivalam hopes that the conversation will encourage people to learn from Gandhi’s philosophy of nonviolence and continue his quest for peace and equality.