A horrible and devious act unfolded in a New York City vicinity on Saturday,striking surprise to the onlookers.

A bronze life-size statue of the great Mahatma Gandhi was vandalized in Manhattan’s Union Square, by a group of unknown people. An act condemned as “despicable” by the Consulate General of India, everyone felt a pang of pain, pierce through their heart.

As a normal person, one would look up to Gandhiji, in respect, in high regard to someone so great, to someone so influential. Although, our social culture has changed, and some people have changed along with that too. Seeing as there has been action taken on this matter, the General Consulate of India will surely look into it.
“The matter has also been taken up with the US State Department for immediate investigation and urged appropriate action against those responsible for this despicable act.” Stated the General Consulate of India.

The White House Press Secretary has some things to say about the “terrible” incident.
“No statue or memorial should be desecrated and certainly not one like that of Gandhi, who fought for the values of peace, Justice and freedom.”
As these were also the emotions of each and every single individual who happens to cross the memorial on Saturday.

This is a shocking zap back into reality for Indian-Americans as they now realize this shocking incident.
Many People have also been reminded of flashbacks that happened in mid-December near the US State of California, as once again, mysterious miscreants disrespected the greatness of Mahatma Gandhi.

A driving force in today’s world, we still uphold the values that Mr. Gandhi taught us. We are sure that this problem should be addressed in a way that such incidents should not occur in the future .

photo by – facebook

Indian American Sonia Daptardar, age 12 of Cary, NC won the “International United Miss North Carolina Preteen!” The competition is a scholarship-style pageant that aims to glorify girls and women for their accomplishments. It promotes self-positivity while encouraging young women to be involved with the community around them.

The Pageant was held on Jan 15. Sonia received the official state crown, banner, and trophy! She would now advance to the Internationals to be held this summer in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Within the competition, the judges look for the service and the helping hand that you are being to your community. Other contestants like Sonia would participate in four activities. A personal introduction speech, where they can learn public speaking skills and become confident. An interview section that prepares them for their job interview, and the formal wear section. Lastly and finally is the service you have done for the people around you. 

All in all, you can conclude that the pageant prepares young girls for the world outside of them so that they can spread any positive message they want.

Sonia expressed her feelings for the competition in a quick interview.

“I entered IUM because, as its motto says, where you matter the most. The system celebrates girls and women for who they are, it promotes giving back to the society and being heroic,” said Sonia. “We got me meet so many girls from different backgrounds, make new friends and learn new skills to achieve our personal goals”-mentioned Sonia 

Some of Sonia Daptardar’s goals are to eradicate world hunger and spread the joys of reading amongst young children.

We can all say that Sonia is an Angel for the world, and just to know that there are more people like her, really gives us hope for the future. Thank you, Sonia, and we hope to hear more about you later!

A little bit about Sonia 

• Is the founder of seeds of reading
• Likes dance
• Likes poetry
• LIKES READING
• Very artsy
• Wants to make the world a better place

You can check out Sonia’s website here

https://sites.google.com/view/seedsofreading/about-the-founder?authuser=0