More than 120 University students celebrated the National Gandhi Day of Service by volunteering in the community Saturday afternoon.

Gandhi Day of Service was the last day of the National Gandhi Week organized by the Indian Student Association to honor Mohandas Gandhi's birthday and to spread his message of non-violence and goodwill. Gandhi's works in India influenced non-violent movements worldwide and earned him the title "Mahatma" — which means "great soul" in Hindu — by the people of India.

"Gandhi's teachings are still relevant. He stays in our life as a positive role model," said Anjela Dhaon, senior in finance and co-coordinator of the event.

Students might not realize it but Gandhi's ideas of peace and non-violence are carried on in people's minds, she said.

The event that the Indian Student Association actively publicized in all the registered student organizations was open to students of all nationalities and religions. In the past, primarily Indian students participated.

"We encouraged everybody to join," Dhaon said. "It's great to see Indians and non-Indians participating so much."

Veena Valluri, junior in engineering, and several other volunteers went to the Orpheum Children's Science Museum, 346 N. Neil St., Champaign, to clean the backyard and to wash the windows.

"I am here to honor the memory of Mahatma Gandhi," said Valluri. "Through peace, he made a great nation. He sacrificed his life and now it's time for us to give something in return."

Janine Prillaman, education coordinator at the Museum, said University students often volunteer in the museum, helping with different tasks that coordinators have trouble getting to on a weekly basis.

Other service options included interacting and making crafts with elderly patients at several nursing homes, rehabilitation and transition centers.

Rinku Patel, senior in LAS and co-coordinator of the Day of Service, said twice as many volunteers participated in the event this year.

"Last year was just a trial for us," he said. "Hopefully, it will get bigger and bigger."