The iconic spiritual leader will unveiled in a special ceremony on Monday 25th
A statue of iconic spiritual leader Mahatma Gandhi will be unveiled outside Manchester Cathedral on Monday 25th November - the 150th anniversary of his birth.
Following the 2017 Arena attack, Manchester’s unique civic pride displayed the values of non-violence and compassion
The 9ft high, 800kg bronze statue was crafted by renowned Indian artist Ram V Sutar and was gifted to Manchester by Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur (SRMD), a worldwide spiritual movement headquartered in India whose namesake inspired Gandhi’s values of non-violence and peaceful protest.
The statue’s costs were sponsored by the Kamani Family in memory of their grandfather Bhanji Khanji Kamani (1888-1979) while principal supporters include Manchester Cathedral, Manchester City Council and the High Commission of India.
During a 1931 visit to the UK, Gandhi visited the textile mills in Lancashire; travelling from London to Blackburn via Manchester to meet with mill workers and explain the Indian perspective on the boycott of British goods that was damaging their industry. He attracted large crowds of admirers and received a warm welcome.
Manthan Taswala, Head of Public Relations at SRMD UK, said: “We are delighted to have received planning approval from Manchester City Council. Mahatma Gandhi’s teachings remain as potent today as when he first said, ‘be the change that you want to see in the world.’”
“Following the 2017 Arena attack, Manchester’s unique civic pride displayed the values of non-violence and compassion. We are inspired by the people of Manchester for their strength, decency and community in the face of this unparalleled tragedy.
“The statue of Gandhi will celebrate the universal power of his message. A statue in Manchester will ensure that the heart of our politics and democracy can all be blessed with his ethos.”
The statue will be revealed in a special ceremony on Monday 25th November, attended by senior figures from the Indian government and representatives of High Commission of India in the UK. The event is free to attend and open to all. Full details below…
Mahatma Gandhi statue unveiling
11am: Interfaith service of non-violence, peace and unity hosted by Manchester Cathedral featuring readings, poetry and songs (invitation only). This will be broadcast on a large screen outside.
12pm: Unveiling ceremony on Cathedral Approach. Celebrations with dance and music from Manchester University students, The Voice finalist Natasha Seth of the Parrs Wood School choir and Indian dancers
