Unitarian Universalist Holdeen India Program Partners Pay Tribute to Parks
October 25, 2005
(Washington, DC, October 25, 2005) The news of Rosa Parks' death had an impact far beyond the United States, even among the Unitarian Universalist Association's partners in the Holdeen India Program. One of those long time partners, Vivek Pandit, is a leader in India 's Anti-Slavery Movement and the recipient of several international human rights awards. A significant part of his work is supporting Indian trade unions for recently freed slaves. He is currently in Washington, DC, for meetings with Holdeen India Program Director Kathy Sreedhar and others.According to Sreedhar, as soon as Pandit read the news he called his colleagues back home. They immediately held a gathering to pay tribute.
"The passing of Rosa Parks was like losing a member of my family, and the civil rights family at large," said Pandit. "She was an inspiration to union members and was a symbol of courage to say "no." She was the mother of the civil rights movements. She was honored as the daughter of Mahatma Gandhi. I pay respects on behalf of members of the Indian trade union."
The unions have declared Wednesday, October 26, 2005, as a day of mourning in her honor.
Last updated on Friday, April 18, 2008.
