Statue of Mahatma Gandhi to be unveiled in Wellington

A life-size bronze statue of Mahatma Gandhi, the major Indian spiritual and political figure noted for his commitment to non-violence, will be unveiled tomorrow


on the front lawn at Wellington Railway Station, Bunny Street, by Wellington Mayor Kerry Prendergast.

In attendance will be the Governor-General of New Zealand, Anand Satyanand, and the Indian High Commissioner, Mr KP Ernest.

Mr Ernest says the statue is a gift from the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, on behalf of the people of India, to the city of Wellington. "On India's part, the gifting of the statue is an expression of our deep appreciation and acknowledgement of the commitment of the people of New Zealand for setting an example to the world of a tolerant, open and inclusive society," he says.

The statue is the first of Mahatma Gandhi to be erected in New Zealand, it was made by noted Indian sculptor Gautam Pal.

Mayor Prendergast says the gift is a symbol of the lasting friendship and solidarity between the peoples of India and New Zealand. "We are very touched and honoured to have this beautiful statue in our city. It is a wonderful tribute to the memory of a great man from whom the present-day world could draw a great deal of inspiration from.

"With so much ongoing violence and intolerance in the world, the fundamental human values that Mahatma Gandhi espoused, and lived for, continue to be as relevant today as they were in his."

The site was chosen, after careful deliberation, because Mahatma Gandhi was a man of the people who used trains and other public transport to travel.

The unveiling's date, 2 October, was chosen because it was recently declared International Day of Non-Violence by the United Nations, in honour of Gandhi's birth date. The ceremony will begin at 3.30pm.


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