'Mahatma Debuts At Peace Park': North Dakota Unveils First-Ever Life-Size Mahatma Gandhi Statue

North Dakota's first-ever life-size statue of Mahatma Gandhi was unveiled at Peace Park in Bismarck on Thursday, marking an important milestone in the India-North Dakota friendship. The ceremony was attended by First Lady Kjersti Armstrong, Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring, local dignitaries, and members of the Indian-American community. The event highlighted the enduring message of peace, non-violence, and harmony that Gandhi's life represented.

The Consulate General of India in Seattle announced the unveiling on their X account, describing the occasion as "Mahatma debuts at Peace Park: North Dakota's First Gandhi Statue!" The post also emphasized the significance of the landmark, stating that it marked a "special milestone in India-North Dakota friendship."

The ceremony featured soulful renditions of Gandhi's favorite hymns by local school students, celebrating his timeless message of peace, non-violence, and harmony. Consul General of India in Seattle Prakash Gupta emphasized the relevance of Gandhi's message in today's divided world, noting that it resonates with the US and India as the world's largest and oldest democracies.

Earlier this year, in March, the first bust of Mahatma Gandhi was unveiled in Montana, USA, at the Mike Mansfield Center at the University of Montana in Missoula. The bust was a gift from the Government of India and stood as a tribute to Gandhi's ideals of peace and non-violence. Governor Greg Gianforte of Montana emphasized the importance of Gandhi's life as a reminder that "leadership starts with character," with the inscription on the bust featuring a quote from Gandhi about the necessity of action alongside good ideas.