The physical education classes at Atkinson received a special visit from Nitin Sonawane, of India, who has been cycling on a journey around the world in an effort to promote world peace. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kishore Kuncham welcomed Sonawane, praising his commitment to the advocacy of peace and the power of his message.
Accompanied by members of the Shanti Fund, which has sponsored him while he is in New York, Sonawane spoke to students about Mahatma Gandhi's messages of peace and nonviolence, and the role the kindness of others plays in continuing to inspire him on his journey.
Sonawane has been on his journey for more than one year, having traveled more than 16,000 kilometers on bicycle and foot in countries including Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and Japan. He aims to complete his journey on Oct. 2, 2019, to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Gandhi's birth.