Martin Luther King Jr. visited India in 1959 with his wife Coretta.  The purpose of the month long trip was to study the life and teachings of Mahatma Gandhi, the man responsible for winning India’s independence from 350 years of Colonial Rule.  Gandhi’s approach was unique in that he adopted the methods of Non-Violence to achieve his aims and objectives.  It was on this principle that Martin Luther King came to India to learn more about this powerful weapon.  During his visit, King said:

 “…God has light that can shine through all darkness. We have experiences when light of the day vanishes, leaving us in some darkness and desolate midnight—moments when our highest hopes are turned into shambles of despair or when we are victims of some tragic injustice and some terrible exploitation. …But ever and again, we look towards the East and discover that there is another light that shines even in the darkness…”

The EKTA tour will be composed of two parts, the first being the performance element and the second being the interactive educational aspect with schools all across the Nation.  The 14 ‘lamps of light’ from India will be engaged in workshops with American students in urban and rural settings, inner city and private institutions.  Students from each country will be able to exchange ideas, stories, and questions from their varying backgrounds.  A historical chord will be running through the tour as well.  Prayers will be held at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis Tennessee and the King Center in Atlanta on April 4^th.   A symbolic walk is being planned for Washington DC as well.