EAM Jaishankar Unveils Bust of Mahatma Gandhi in Tokyo

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar unveiled a bust of Mahatma Gandhi in Tokyo’s Edogawa ward, highlighting Gandhi’s global legacy and timeless message of peace and non-violence. The event coincided with Jaishankar’s visit to Japan for a Quad foreign ministers’ meeting.

Event Details

• The bust unveiling took place in Edogawa ward, home to a significant Indian community and known as “Little India.”
• The event was attended by Edogawa ward’s mayor Takeshi Saito, parliamentary vice minister of foreign affairs Masahiro Komura, and other dignitaries.

Significance of the Statue

• Jaishankar emphasized Gandhi’s role as a global icon, whose teachings on non-violence and sustainable growth remain relevant today.
• He noted that the independence of India, led by Gandhi, was a catalyst for global decolonization, influencing freedom movements in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

Gandhi’s Timeless Message

• In light of current global conflicts and tensions, Jaishankar stressed the importance of Gandhi’s belief that solutions do not come from warfare.
• Gandhi was described as the “original prophet of sustainable growth,” advocating for climate-friendly and sustainable practices.

Community Impact

• The statue and the park named after Gandhi are seen as symbols of the growing bonds between India and Japan, particularly within the Indian community in Tokyo.
• Jaishankar expressed hope that “Little India” in Edogawa would continue to grow and strengthen cultural ties between the two nations.