External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar unveiled a bust of Mahatma Gandhi at Freedom Plaza in Edogawa, Tokyo today.The ceremony took place on the sidelines of the Quad Foreign Ministers meeting.
Jaishankar was joined by Edogawa Mayor Takeshi Saito, Indian Ambassador to Japan Sibi George, and other dignitaries. A group of schoolchildren sang Gandhi’s favorite prayer, “Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram,” during the event.
The Indian Embassy in Tokyo said the statue’s placement is a gesture by Japan to deepen ties with India.
“We have gathered here today because Edogawa ward and Mayor Takeshi Saito have decided that they will build a relationship with India by having this wonderful statue of the father of our nation, Mahatma Gandhi,” Jaishankar stated.”At this venue and at this park, which they will be naming after him.”
Jaishankar emphasized Gandhi’s global significance, highlighting the timelessness of his message.
“We have to ask ourselves today, why is it important to have this statue here… the achievements of Gandhi have far outlived his times, with the passage of time, they have become more important. What he taught us, was important then as well as now,” he said.
The venue is a popular gathering spot for Tokyo’s Indian community, sometimes referred to as “Little India.”Jaishankar acknowledged Gandhi’s pivotal role in India’s independence struggle.
“Without Gandhi, Indian independence struggle would have taken ‘much longer’ or could have gone to a ‘different direction,'” he said.
He further emphasized the ripple effect of Gandhi’s actions, crediting him for inspiring decolonization movements worldwide.”
Indian independence was the beginning of a very momentous event as it began a cycle of decolonization of the world.When India became free, other parts of Asia, Africa and Latin America became free,” Jaishankar explained.
Jaishankar implored the importance of applying Gandhi’s principles of non-violence in today’s world filled with conflict.”
At a time when there is so much conflict, tension, polarization and bloodshed in the world, it is important that we apply Gandhi’s message into practice,” he said.
The minister also hailed Gandhi as a champion of sustainability and inclusivity.
Jaishankar concluded by expressing his deep ties with Japan and his hope for continued strong relations between the two nations.
New source: https://www.youtube.com/live/vgvOrysLVPo?si=NBPCj4GcOUXB0Hqa
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