A Milestone for Peace in the US Midwest

In a historic first for the state, North Dakota has unveiled a life-size statue of Mahatma Gandhi in downtown Bismarck. The monument, installed at the city's Peace Park, marks a significant milestone in the Indian-American community's ongoing efforts to promote Gandhi's universal message of peace and non-violence.

The unveiling ceremony took place against the backdrop of the 157th birth anniversary of the Mahatma, whose birthday on October 2 is globally recognized as the International Day of Non-Violence. Officials, community leaders, and local residents gathered to witness the dedication of the statue, which was brought to fruition with the assistance of the Consulate General of India in Seattle, alongside technical and community support from the North Dakota Trade Office and local Indian-American associations.

Strengthening Diplomatic and Cultural Ties

The bronze monument features an accompanying plaque bearing the inscription: "From the people of India to the people of North Dakota." It also highlights one of Gandhi's most enduring tenets: "The golden way is to be friends with the world and to regard the whole human family as one."

Addressing the gathering, Consul General of India in Seattle Prakash Gupta emphasized the contemporary relevance of Gandhi's philosophy.

"Today, when the world is very divided and we have conflicts raging across the world, to have Gandhi's message of non-violence emanate out of North Dakota, not only to the US but to the rest of the world, is very important because that reflects the founding basis of how India and the US look upon each other as the world's largest democracy and the world's oldest democracy," Gupta stated.

The dedication ceremony was jointly led by North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong, First Lady Kjersti Armstrong, and Consul General Prakash Gupta. They were joined by Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring, representatives from the Bismarck Parks and Recreation District, and prominent members of the regional Indian-American diaspora.

A New Addition to Peace Park

Governor Armstrong and other state officials lauded the initiative, noting that Gandhi's ideals resonate deeply not just in South Asia, but with the core values held by the residents of North Dakota. First Lady Kjersti Armstrong expressed admiration for the legacy of the civil rights leader, emphasizing that his teachings are more vital today than they have been in decades.

Located in the heart of downtown Bismarck, Peace Park was originally established in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks as a symbol of unity and reflection. The Gandhi statue now joins other notable monuments within the park, including a dedicated 'Peace Pole' installed by the Gandhi Peace Network of North Dakota.

The inaugural event concluded with musical performances by local school students, who rendered several of Gandhi's favorite hymns, bridging cultural traditions and reinforcing the message of global harmony.