Bust of Mahatma Gandhi unveiled in Seattle to honour legacy of peace and non-violence
Seattle [US]: The Consulate General of India in Seattle announced that a bust of Mahatma Gandhi was unveiled at the Seattle Center, marking a unique addition to the city's cultural landscape.
In a statement shared on X, the Consulate said, "Gandhi ji Bust adorns iconic Seattle Center! The first bust of Mahatma Gandhiji was unveiled in Seattle today. Located at the base of the Space Needle, which receives 12 million visitors annually, Gandhi ji's life and message now resonates in the US Pacific Northwest."
The unveiling took place on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, near the base of the Space Needle and adjacent to the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum, making it the first installation of Gandhi's bust in a city known for its vibrant cultural landscape.
The ceremony was attended by prominent dignitaries, including Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, Congressman Adam Smith, Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, Lt. Gen. Xavier Brunson (Commander of the US First Corps in the Pacific Northwest), Eddie Rye (Chair of the Martin Luther King-Gandhi Initiative), and Consul General of India Prakash Gupta. Also present were members of the Indian American community, who gathered to honor Gandhi on his birth anniversary.
Gandhi Jayanti, celebrated on October 2, is also recognised as the International Day of Non-Violence by the United Nations. During the ceremony, all the dignitaries highlighted the relevance of Gandhi's values, such as Ahimsa (Non-Violence), Satyagraha (truth force), and Sarvodaya (welfare for all), as crucial ideals for contemporary times.
The installation of the bust was a collaborative effort between the Consulate General of India and the City of Seattle, with Seattle Center chosen for its iconic status, accessibility, and alignment with the ideals of peace and non-violence. The location, which attracts over 12 million visitors annually, was considered fitting for promoting Gandhi's message.
Washington State Governor Jay Inslee issued an official proclamation acknowledging the Gandhi bust as a lasting tribute to his teachings and a powerful symbol of non-violence's impact on social change. Another proclamation by King County designated October 2nd as Mahatma Gandhi Day across all 73 cities in the Greater Seattle area.
The Consulate General of India in Seattle began its operations in November 2023, with a jurisdiction covering nine states in the US Pacific Northwest: Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Alaska. The installation of the Gandhi bust in Seattle is part of a broader series of initiatives gradually being rolled out across its consular jurisdiction. (Agnecies)