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Mahatma Gandhi statue unveiled in 150th year of his birth

A gift to Manchester of a bronze statue of the iconic spiritual leader Mahatma Gandhi was unveiled outside Manchester Cathedral on 25 November in the 150th anniversary year of his birth.

VIPs included Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, Sir Richard Leese, Leader, Manchester City Council, the Right Reverend Dr David Walker, Bishop of Manchester and Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshbhai,  Founder, Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur (SRMD).  We provided  expert Planning, Design and Heritage services for the  statue which is an initiative of SRMD,  a worldwide spiritual movement. Shrimad Rajchandraji was Mahatma Gandhi’s spiritual mentor.

The costs to install the 9ft high, 800kg statue, by renowned Indian artist Ram V. Sutar, in the city’s Medieval Quarter were sponsored by the Kamani Family in memory of their grandfather Bhanji Khanji Kamani (1888-1979). Ram V. Sutar is the man who has designed Statue of Unity, world’s tallest sculpture. The project is supported by Manchester Cathedral, Manchester City Council, the Manchester India Partnership and the High Commission of India. This will be one of the world’s tallest statues outside of India.

The statue of Gandhi, the global ambassador of non-violence and peace, was carefully planned, considering the location, scale in the context of the space and ensuring there will be necessary pedestrian and disabled access.

Invited guests include senior figures from the Indian government and representatives of High Commission of India, UK to join the head of SRMD UK, Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshbhai. Representatives from both religious and non-religious organisations across Manchester and beyond attended the event.

Director and Lead for Corporate Social Responsibility Bob May said:

“It’s great to see the statue unveiled. We thoroughly enjoy working on projects such as this which reflect Turley’s values and commitment to good growth, enabling us to contribute to the communities we are part of and make a positive difference in the places that we help shape.

“We are proud to be involved in this historic project so soon after securing permission for the Emmeline Pankhurst statue in St Peter’s Square.”

Spokesperson from SRMD UK  said:

“The statue of Gandhi will celebrate the universal power of his message. A statue in Manchester will ensure that the heart of our politics and democracy can all be inspired with his ethos. Mahatma Gandhi’s teachings remain as potent today as when he first said, ‘be the change that you want to see in the world’. Following the 2017 Arena attack, Manchester’s unique civic pride displayed the values of non-violence and compassion. We are inspired by the people of Manchester for their strength, decency and community in the face of this unparalleled tragedy”

Sir Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester City Council, said:

“This statue of Mahatma Gandhi, a leader who tirelessly championed the power of peaceful protest, will find a welcome home in Manchester. In the turbulent times we live in, his legacy of peace is one we can all appreciate and reflect on.”

During a 1931 visit to the UK, Gandhi visited the textile mills in Lancashire, travelling from London to Blackburn via Manchester, to meet with mill workers and explain the Indian perspective on the boycott of British goods that was damaging their Cottage industry. During this visit, Gandhi attracted large crowds of admirers and received a warm welcome.

Mahatma Gandhi taught us to tread the path of peaceful, love and truth and this statue will be a fitting tribute to his contribution towards Global peace.

26 November 2019