Prime Minister Modi Unveils Mahatma Gandhi's Statue Near Hiroshima's Atomic Bomb Dome As A Symbol Of Friendship And Goodwill

Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the bust of Mahatma Gandhi in Hiroshima during his visit to attend the annual summit of the G7 grouping and the third in-person Quad leaders' meeting. The bust, gifted by India to Hiroshima, symbolizes the friendship and goodwill between the two countries on the occasion of Prime Minister Modi 's visit for the G7 summit.

After the unveiling ceremony, Prime Minister Modi stated, "The Gandhian ideals of peace and harmony reverberate globally and give strength to millions." The 42-inch tall bronze bust, sculpted by Ram Vanji Sutar , stands close to the iconic Bomb Dome, a site visited by numerous individuals daily.

The location was chosen as a mark of solidarity for peace and non-violence, aligning with Mahatma Gandhi's principles and life, which continue to inspire the world. Notably, the United States conducted the world's first atomic attack on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945.

Dignitaries present during the unveiling ceremony included Nakatani Gen, Special Advisor to the Prime Minister and Member of Parliament; Kazumi Matsui, Mayor of Hiroshima City; Tatsunori Motani , Speaker of the Hiroshima City Assembly; Members of Parliament from Hiroshima, senior government officials, members of the Indian community, and followers of Mahatma Gandhi in Japan.

Prime Minister Modi also paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi following the unveiling. He arrived in Hiroshima at the invitation of Japan's PM Fumio Kishida to participate in the G7 Summit.

Speaking to reporters, PM Modi expressed that the word "Hiroshima" still evokes fear in the world. He shared, "The bust of Mahatma Gandhi in Hiroshima will take forward the idea of non-violence." He also mentioned the planting of the Bodhi tree, a gift he presented to the Japanese PM, as a significant moment that promotes peace.

Prime Minister Modi took to Twitter, saying, "Unveiled Mahatma Gandhi's bust in Hiroshima. This bust in Hiroshima gives a very important message. The Gandhian ideals of peace and harmony reverberate globally and give strength to millions."

The G7 leaders are currently in Japan to attend the G7 Summit, scheduled to be held in Hiroshima from May 19-21. Japan assumed the G7 Presidency in 2023, and Prime Minister Modi's presence at the summit highlights India's role in international cooperation and global affairs.