New Delhi/Hiroshima, May 20 (FN Bureau) Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his engagements in Hiroshima with the unveiling of a bronze bust of Mahatma Gandhi this morning, ahead of attending the G7 summit and holding important bilateral meetings with world leaders. In a tweet, the PM said the bust of Mahatma Gandhi gives a very important message in Hiroshima, which was atom bombed in 1945, of the Gandhian ideals of peace and harmony. “Unveiled Mahatma Gandhi’s bust in Hiroshima. This bust in Hiroshima gives a very important message. The Gandhian ideals of peace and harmony reverberate globally and give strength to millions.”
The MEA spokesperson in a tweet said the 42-inch bust is a gift from India to the city of Hiroshima, and is a befitting tribute to a city that symbolises humanity’s yearning for peace.“A symbol of friendship and goodwill. PM @narendramodi unveiled a bust of Mahatma Gandhi in Hiroshima.“Mahatma’s bust, a gift from India to the city of Hiroshima, is a befitting tribute to a city that symbolises humanity’s yearning for peace.” A press statement said: “The Mahatma Gandhi bust has been gifted by the Government of India to the city of Hiroshima as a symbol of friendship and goodwill between India and Japan, on the occasion of the visit of the Prime Minister for the G-7 summit from May 19-21. “The 42 inches tall bronze bust has been sculpted by Padma Bhushan awardee Shri Ram Vanji Sutar.
The bust site, adjacent to the Motoyasu River, is close to iconic A-Bomb Dome that is visited by thousands of people – locals and tourists alike – every day. “The location has been chosen as a mark of solidarity for peace and non-violence. Mahatma Gandhi dedicated his life to peace and non-violence. The location truly resonates with the principles and life of Gandhiji, which continue to inspire the world and its leaders. “Dignitaries present during the unveiling ceremony included Nakatani Gen, Special Advisor to the Prime Minister and Member of Parliament; Kazumi Matsui, Mayor of Hiroshima City; Tatsunori Motani, Speaker of the Hiroshima City Assembly; Members of Parliament from Hiroshima and senior government officials; members of the Indian community; and followers of Mahatma Gandhi in Japan.”