PRIME MINISTER DAVID CAMERON: “Mahatma Gandhi is an inspiration. His approach of non-violence will resonate forever as a positive legacy — not just for the UK and India, but the world over. He was a man of great insight and many of his observations remain as fresh and relevant today as when he first made them – that we should be the change we wish to see in the world is timeless advice, well worth following. The statue in Parliament Square not only marks his huge importance in the history of both our countries, but will enrich the firm bond of friendship between the world’s oldest democracy and its largest
A new statue of Mahatma Gandhi will be unveiled in Parliament Square on 14 March – Saturday in a glittering ceremony. This is the first new statue in Parliament Square since Nelson Mandela.
The unveiling of the statue marks 100 years since Gandhi returned to India from South Africa to begin his struggle for independence. It will also provide a focal point for commemorations of the 70th anniversary of his death in 2018. The idea for the statue was announced in July 2014 by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, and the then Foreign Secretary, William Hague.
Statues in London are traditionally paid for through public subscription. The Gandhi Statue Memorial Trust was formed soon after the announcement and has been successful in reaching the funds required for the statue. A special advisory panel chaired by the Culture Secretary Sajid Javid was also formed.
The 9ft-high (2.75m) bronze sculpture is being created by leading British sculptor, Philip Jackson, renowned for statues of the Queen Mother and Bomber Command. Jackson started work on the statue in July.
The sculpture is inspired by photographs of the civil rights leader outside 10 Downing Street in 1931. Gandhi will be the first Indian, and the only person never to have been in public office, to be honoured with a statue in the square.
His memorial will stand alongside those of Abraham Lincoln and Nelson Mandela opposite the Houses of Parliament.
Prime Minister David Cameron said: “Mahatma Gandhi is an inspiration. His approach of non-violence will resonate forever as a positive legacy — not just for the UK and India, but the world over. He was a man of great insight and many of his observations remain as fresh and relevant today as when he first made them – that we should be the change we wish to see in the world is timeless advice, well worth following. The statue in Parliament Square not only marks his huge importance in the history of both our countries, but will enrich the firm bond of friendship between the world’s oldest democracy and its largest.
“Our ties with India have remained close throughout history and continue to go from strength to strength — through mutual respect as equals, through cooperation, trade, and of course through the one-and-a-half million Indian diaspora living in Britain today who bring our two nations closer, to the benefit of both.”
Culture Secretary Sajid Javid, who chairs the Gandhi Statue Special Advisory Board said: “Gandhi is one of the most inspirational figures in history and the statue will be a fitting symbol to his teachings of non-violent, peaceful protests. It also highlights the strength of the relationship and friendship that Britain has with India today.
“I would like to thank Lord Desai and the work of the Gandhi Statue Memorial Trust for raising the funds to make this happen. It is right that Gandhi’s teachings and work are not forgotten and the statue will keep his legacy alive and inspire many young people to learn his incredible story.”
Lord Desai, Chair of the Gandhi Statue Memorial Trust said: “It is great that there will be a monument honouring Gandhi in London’s Parliament Square, which was one of his favourite cities. He is the first Indian and the only person honoured with a statue in the Square who never held public office.
“Generous donors have contributed sums from a pound up to hundreds of thousands of pounds from UK, India and around the world. On behalf of the Gandhi Statue Memorial Trust we thank all who made it possible for us to exceed our target of a million pounds within six months. As Gandhi said ‘ If the cause is right the means will come ‘.”
Priti Patel, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury and UK Indian Diaspora Champion said: “The statue of Gandhi will be an incredible symbol of democracy and celebrate the life of a man of true greatness.
“His story and work is one that the whole of humanity can learn from and be inspired by but it, of course, also has a special resonance with the Indian Diaspora community living in Britain today. The statue will be a lasting tribute to our strong ties with India.”