External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday highlighted the enduring relevance of Mahatma Gandhi’s message of peace and sustainability, even as the world grapples with conflict, polarization, and bloodshed. Speaking at the unveiling of a bust of the global Indian icon at Freedom Plaza in Edogawa, Tokyo, Jaishankar underscored Gandhi’s enduring legacy.
Jaishankar arrived in Japan on Sunday from Laos for a two-day visit, coinciding with the Quad Foreign Ministers’ meeting. He was welcomed by India’s Ambassador to Japan, Sibi George. During his address, Jaishankar emphasized Gandhi’s timeless message: “Solutions do not come from a battlefield, that no era should be an era of war.” He stressed that this message holds as much significance today as it did 80 years ago, amidst a world facing widespread conflict and tension.
Jaishankar further elaborated on Gandhi’s vision, highlighting his prescience on sustainability and climate consciousness. “Gandhiji was the original prophet of sustainable growth,” he stated, adding that Gandhiji was a fervent advocate for living in harmony with nature.
“The message of Gandhiji, that it is not just something for governments to do, but for everybody to do in their personal life, that is something which again we pass on,” Jaishankar said. He also emphasized Gandhi’s commitment to inclusiveness, a value that resonates strongly in India and across the globe today.
Elaborating on the significance of the Gandhi bust in Edogawa, Jaishankar noted that it signifies the special bond between India and Japan. He highlighted Gandhi’s status as a global icon and elaborated on the significance of the bust. “One is that the achievements of Mahatma Gandhi have far outlived his own times, with the passage of time they have got more and more importance,” Jaishankar said. He further added that Gandhi’s message was timeless, and his teachings remain as relevant today as they were in the past.
Jaishankar also emphasized the presence of a large Indian community in the area, making the bust a powerful symbol of the strong bonds between India and Japan. He concluded by acknowledging Gandhi’s pivotal role in India’s independence struggle, stating that it served as a catalyst for decolonization across the globe. “The independence of India actually decolonised the entire world, it was the starting point of a ‘very momentous event’,” he said. Jaishankar further pointed out that India’s emergence as the fifth largest economy and the world’s shift towards multipolarity are all rooted in the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi.
