On the eve of Hiroshima Day, a solemn and significant ceremony was held at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park to honour the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi, the apostle of peace and non-violence. The event witnessed the presence of several eminent dignitaries, reflecting the shared commitment of India and Japan to global peace and mutual respect.
Among those in attendance were His Excellency Fumio Kishida, former Prime Minister of Japan; Madam Yuko Kishida; and His Excellency Kazumi Matsui, Hon’ble Mayor of Hiroshima. They joined Ambassador of India to Japan, Shri Sibi George, and members of Team India in Japan to pay floral tributes at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi — a symbol of peace and resilience standing tall in the heart of Hiroshima.
The statue, which was unveiled by Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, during his visit to Hiroshima on May 20, 2023, represents a powerful gesture of unity between two nations deeply committed to peace-building and reconciliation. Hiroshima, a city forever etched in world memory as a site of immense tragedy and human suffering during World War II, now also stands as a global beacon of peace. The presence of Gandhi’s statue in this symbolic location serves as a reminder of the enduring relevance of non-violence in today’s world.
The floral tribute ceremony was marked by quiet reflection and deep respect, bridging cultural and historical ties between India and Japan. It not only honoured Gandhi’s philosophy but also underscored the strong diplomatic and people-to-people connections shared by the two nations.
This commemoration on the eve of Hiroshima Day reaffirms the global need for peace, disarmament, and dialogue — values that both Mahatma Gandhi and Hiroshima profoundly represent.
Source: The Embassy of India,Tokyo
