London: A statue of Mahatma Gandhi has been
installed at the 'Parc de L'Etoile' in the City of Strasbourg
in France.
The statue, gifted by the Indian Council of Cultural
Relations to the city of Strasbourg, stands on a pedestal
prepared by the city - in which are embedded four urns
containing soil brought from Porbandar, Rajkot, Pieter
Maritzburg in South Africa and Sabarmati, venues associated
with important events in Gandhiji's life and struggle.
The Gandhi Statue, made by the famous New Delhi-based
sculptor, Ram Sutar, was unveiled by Ambassador Rakesh Sood
and the Mayor of Strasbourg Roland Ries.
Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Sood recalled
Gandhi's doctrine of active non-violence and underlined its
relevance even today. He highlighted the excellent relations
that exist between India and France in the fields of
culture, trade, science and technology, space, defence and
nuclear energy.
On his part, the Mayor of Strasbourg Roland Ries said that
Strasbourg is the European capital for Human Rights and
democracy. He stressed the significance of the location of the
statue in the 'Parc de l'Etoile' a peace and human rights
park.
Strasbourg which is at the border with Germany and
also home to the European Parliament, has an important
significance in the history of French-German reconciliation.
The Mayor recalled that Strasbourg was the city where the
idea of a peaceful Europe was born.
PTI
First Published: Thursday, October 06, 2011, 18:08