NEW YORK/SEATTLE, Dec 7: A bust of Mahatma Gandhi was inaugurated at the Nebraska State Capitol, marking the first installation of a statue of the revered Indian leader within any State Capitol in the Pacific Northwest regions supervised by the Indian Consulate in Seattle. Governor Jim Pillen performed the unveiling on Friday at his office in the notable Nebraska State Capitol in Lincoln. This event signifies the inaugural presence of Gandhi’s bust in any State Capitol among the nine states under the consular jurisdiction of the Indian Consulate in Seattle. A press release from the Consulate highlighted that Governor Pillen also proclaimed December 6, 2024, as “A Day of Remembrance for Mahatma Gandhi” statewide in Nebraska. The Indian Consulate in Seattle collaborated closely with the Governor’s Office to choose the Governor’s Office as an apt setting to commemorate Gandhi’s legacy.
The unveiling ceremony was attended by distinguished guests, including Governor Pillen, Lieutenant Governor Joe Kelly, former Nebraska Senator Ben Nelson, acclaimed coach Tom Osborne, and Consul General of India in Seattle, Prakash Gupta, along with prominent members of the Indian-American community. During the event, speakers reflected on the lasting principles of Ahimsa (Non-Violence) and Satyagraha (Force of Truth), highlighting their significance in contemporary society. The proclamation acknowledged Gandhi as a worldwide icon of peace, non-violence, and justice, whose steadfast dedication to truth and human dignity has motivated innumerable people and movements globally.
The announcement pointed out that the installation of Gandhi’s bust, a generous gift from the Government of India through the newly opened Consulate in Seattle, at the Nebraska State Capitol in Lincoln, “embodies a vision for continuous partnerships with Nebraska and serves as a powerful reminder of Mahatma Gandhi’s lasting legacy and the universal values he represented.” Furthermore, the proclamation stated that the statue would not only pay tribute to Gandhi’s contributions to humanity but also enhance cultural understanding and unity among Nebraska’s diverse communities.
“December 6 is a notable day as we unite to commemorate the unveiling of this statue and contemplate the principles of non-violence, tolerance, and justice that Gandhi advocated,” said the proclamation. It emphasized the appropriateness of dedicating this day to Mahatma Gandhi’s memory while encouraging all citizens to adopt his teachings for a more just and peaceful society.
This unveiling follows the recent installation of a Gandhi bust at Seattle Center’s Space Needle, which occurred during the Gandhi Jayanti celebration on October 2 this year. The newly established Indian Consulate in Seattle began operations in November 2023, overseeing consular affairs for the Pacific Northwest states, which include Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Alaska. (Agencies)
