Indian Consulate unveils Gandhi statue

Members of the Indian community gathered at the Indian Consulate in Dubai on Saturday to witness the unveiling ceremony of a statue of Mahatma Gandhi.
Consul-General of India in Dubai, Anurag Bhushan, unveiled the statue, which is about two and a half feet in height and around 10kg in weight. Around 500 Indians were witness to the first-of-its-kind event in Dubai.
The consulate also celebrated the 141st birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, popularly known as the 'Iron Man of India'.
Speaking at the event, Bhushan highlighted how the Indian civilisation "stands out". He spoke highly about both the patriotic leaders and the path they chose to make India a better place to live in. He talked about Mahatma's biggest virtue 'path of peace' (ahimsa) and encouraged people to follow it as well.
On opening of the Mahatma Gandhi Centre at the Indian Consulate, he said: "It's a small step and through this we will propagate the virtues of the great leader, his literature and khadhi. Hopefully, we will open a Gandhi Bhawan (house) soon here where people can come and read books, learn about Indian culture and more."
School students expressed their thoughts about the both the great leaders and their contribution in India's independence. A special cultural performance was organised including a dancing and singing performances. The special performance at the event was that of a little girl reciting Mahatma Gandhi's favourite bhajan (spiritual song) Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram.
- reporters@khaleejtimes.com