India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar unveiled a bust of Mahatma Gandhi at Tokyo’s Freedom Plaza in Edogawa on Sunday, highlighting the timeless relevance of the Indian freedom fighter’s message of peace and non-violence. The event, which took place on the sidelines of the Quad Foreign Ministers meeting, was attended by a group of schoolchildren who filled the air with Gandhi’s favorite prayer, “Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram.”
Prominent dignitaries present included Edogawa Mayor Takeshi Saito, the Ambassador of India to Japan, Sibi George, and other ministers. The Indian Embassy in Tokyo, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), stated, “Unveiling of bust of Mahatma Gandhi by Hon’ble External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar @DrSJaishankar at Freedom Plaza in Edogawa, Tokyo.”
Mayor Saito announced that the plaza will soon be renamed as Gandhi Park, signifying the growing relationship between India and Edogawa ward.
In a post on X, Jaishankar wrote, “Started my visit to Tokyo in Edogawa, unveiling bust of Gandhiji. Bapu’s achievements continue to inspire us to this day and his message of peace and non-violence is timeless. His principles are even more relevant today when the world sees so much conflict, tension and polarization.”
Addressing the public, Jaishankar underscored the significance of Gandhi’s message in the current global context. He said, “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 further emphasized that Gandhi was a global icon whose message of peace and non-violence transcended borders. “Gandhi was an advocate of inclusiveness. We see this practice in India and abroad,” he remarked, addressing the Indian diaspora.
He stressed that Gandhi’s principles are as relevant today as they were 80 years ago, particularly in a world plagued by conflict and tension. “At a time when there is so much conflict, tension, polarisation and bloodshed in the world, it is important that we apply Gandhi’s message into practice,” Jaishankar emphasized.
The External Affairs Minister also highlighted Gandhi’s crucial role in India’s independence struggle, stating that without his leadership, the struggle would have taken “much longer” or could have gone in a “different direction.” Jaishankar concluded by referencing Gandhi’s famous statement, “No solution comes from the battlefield,” emphasizing that no era should be an era of war.
