Bipartisan resolutions were introduced on Wednesday in US Senate and House of Representatives to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi recognizing and honoring his ideals and his influence on Martin Luther King, who led the civil rights movement against racial discrimination.

Senators Ted Cruz, a Republican, and Robert Menendez, a Democrat, moved the Senate bill. And Representative Raja Krishnamurthy, a Democrat, introduced the House bill joined by 14 co-sponsors from both parties.

"Gandhi's unwavering commitment to peaceful dissent inspired countless others not just in India but around the world," Senator Cruz said in a statement. "His life, sacrifices, and legacy continue to be a light around the world, calling attention to the tyranny and injustice that dictators seek to conduct in darkness. Let us honor him by continuing to encourage and support all of those seeking to be free."

Menendez said, "I am proud to lead this resolution which honors Gandhi, a man whose memory is held with such reverence around the world."

"Mahatma Gandhi is one of my personal heroes," said Krishnamurthy in a separate statement, and added, "As an Indian-Americans serving in Congress, I am proud to play my part in honoring his legacy through the introduction of this bipartisan resolution honoring Mahatma Gandhi's life and legacy."

George Holding, a Republican who co-sponsored the resolution, said, "Mahatma Gandhi is among the most revered and impactful leaders of our time. His lifelong commitment to human rights, civil liberty, and freedom inspired countless millions across the globe. As we mark the 150th anniversary of Gandhi's birthday, let us honor his enduring legacy and celebrate his monumental impact to peace, justice, and freedom worldwide."

Representative Grace Meng, also a Democrat, introduced a separate resolution proposing the adoption in the United States of the UN International Day of Non-Violence observed on October 2, Gandhi's birthday.

"Mahatma Gandhi was a monumental civil rights and spiritual leader who demonstrated that peaceful protests can bring change, and we honor his legacy with a resolution that calls on all to recognize his important contributions to the world," said Meng.

She added that America's own "heroes", including King, were influenced by him and urged all Americans to join her in marking International Day of Non-Violence.