Mahatma Gandhi's message of non-violence, peace and brotherhood was recalled under the shadow of his statue at Union Square in Manhattan, New York, as the 'Satyagraha Forum' kicked off the 'Gandhi Legacy Month'.

Bhajans dear to Gandhi were recited on Sunday afternoon as more than 200 people paid homage to the 'apostle of peace'. The speakers stressed that his message is as relevant today as it was in his time.

They also mentioned his struggle against apartheid in South Africa which, they said, was the turning point in the history of that country leading to its independence.

Earlier, groups of people carrying placard of Gandhi's message marched from four different points in the city and congregated at the Union Square.

The month long programme will include art and photographic exhibitions, panel discussions and film shows to stress that the world needs Gandhi's message to come out of mire of conflict to goodwill and prosperity.

Philip Glass' opera 'Satyagraha' will open on April 11 as a part of the observance.

The Forum is a collaboration of several cultural, arts, environmental, educational and spiritual institution working with Glass which aims at creating a dialogue on Gandhi's concept of social change.  

Satyagraha, set to text from the Bhagavad Gita, is a moving account of Mahatma Gandhi's [Images] formative experiences in South Africa, which transformed him into a great leader.

Image:  Many people turned up at the Union Square park in Manhattan to promote Gandhi's message of peace and non-violence.
Reportage: PTI | Photograph: SnapsIndia