External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Speaker of US House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi would attend an October 2 reception to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and the 90th birth anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr. Top American lawmakers, eminent Indian Americans, US government officials and members of the diplomatic corps are expected to attend the October 2 reception. They will celebrate the legacies of these two great leaders that have shaped the destinies of India and the United States. Mahatma Gandhi is celebrated as the Father of Indian freedom struggle and Martin Luther King Jr is one of the key leaders of the African-American civil rights movements.

Read| Congress plans padayatras on Mahatma Gandhi's 150th birth anniversary

Nancy Pelosi 'featured speaker'

Organised by the Indian Embassy in Washington, USA, the reception would be held at the premises of the historic building of the Library of Congress. Pelosi will be the featured speaker at the gathering. The Indian Embassy here has organised a series of events throughout the year to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. The Indian Embassy had organised an exhibition on Gandhi on August 15.

Other countries join in

In Cuba, commemorative stamp to mark the celebrations of the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi has been  launched by the government of Cuba  

Read| S Jaishankar unveils Mahatma Gandhi statue at Indian embassy in Moscow

The High Commissioner of India in South Africa moderated an engaging discussion.

The Consulate General of India will be organizing a quiz to celebrate the "150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi".

Read| Independence Day: President Kovind highlights Mahatma Gandhi's efforts & teachings ahead of 150th birth anniversary

Gandhi - Father of the Nation

Mohan Das Karam Chand Gandhi a.k.a Mahatma Gandhi was one of India’s great freedom fighter and he was instrumental in freeing India from the clutches of the British empire in 1947. Born on October 2, 1869, at Porbandar. For his services and sacrifice for the country, he was named the Father of Nation.

Read| MAHATMA HAILED: 'Mahatma Gandhi was the spiritual leader of America's non-violence movement': US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi

Martin Luther King Jr - American civil rights hero

Martin Luther King, Jr. was a civil rights activist in the 1950s and 1960s. He led non-violent protests to fight for the rights of all people including African Americans. He hoped that America and the world could become a colourblind society where the race would not impact a person's civil rights. He is considered one of the great orators of modern times, and his speeches still inspire many to this day.