Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday unveiled the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Hiroshima, Japan. The statue has been installed near the iconic A-Bomb Dome on the banks of the Motoyasu River. Thousands of people (locals and tourists) come here every day.
The location has been chosen as a symbol of solidarity for peace and non-violence, according to the Ministry of External Affairs. Mahatma Gandhi dedicated his life to peace and non-violence. The place truly resonates with the principles and life of Gandhiji, who continues to inspire the world and its leaders.
It is noteworthy that a statue of Mahatma Gandhi has been presented to the city of Hiroshima by the Government of India as a symbol of friendship and goodwill between India and Japan on the occasion of Prime Minister's visit for the G-7 Summit. The 42-inch tall bronze statue has been sculpted by Padma Bhushan Ram Vanji Sutar.
The unveiling ceremony was attended by Nakatani Gen, Special Adviser to the Prime Minister and Member of Parliament, Hiroshima City Mayor Kazumi Matsui, Hiroshima City Assembly Speaker Tatsunori Motani, Hiroshima MPs and senior government officials, the Indian community and followers of Mahatma Gandhi in Japan.
Prime Minister Modi said that the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Hiroshima will further the idea of non-violence. It is a matter of pride for me that the Bodhi tree that I gifted to the Prime Minister of Japan has been planted here in Hiroshima so that people can understand the importance of peace when they come here.
He said that I would like to thank the Government of Japan for giving me the opportunity to install and unveil the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Hiroshima. We all should follow the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi and move forward on the path of world welfare. This would be the true tribute to Mahatma Gandhi.
During this, Hiroshima Mayor Matsui Kazumi said that Mahatma Gandhi adopted non-violence throughout his life. This presentation of his statue in this city is very meaningful. Our thoughts match with the policy of Mahatma Gandhi.