Prime Minister Narendra Modi has become a prominent advocate for Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy on the global stage. His consistent efforts to pay tribute to Gandhi abroad reflect his dedication to spreading the iconic leader’s teachings far beyond India's borders.
During his ongoing visit to Guyana, PM Modi is set to honor a statue of Mahatma Gandhi, marking the 21st time he has paid tribute to Gandhi outside India. This gesture highlights Modi’s steadfast commitment to promoting Gandhi’s ideals of peace and harmony internationally.
On August 23, PM Modi began his visit to Kyiv, Ukraine, by honoring a Gandhi statue, a symbolic move emphasizing Gandhi's message of peace amid the current global conflicts. Similarly, during International Yoga Day on June 21, Modi paid his respects at the Gandhi statue at the UN Headquarters' North Lawn, reinforcing the connection between India's cultural heritage and global peace efforts.
In May of the previous year, PM Modi unveiled a bust of Gandhi in Hiroshima, Japan, a city that deeply understands the importance of peace due to its history. Earlier, in October 2021, he paid floral tribute to Gandhi in Rome, Italy, highlighting Gandhi’s timeless message of unity and harmony.
Modi’s dedication to Gandhi’s legacy spans several years. In 2019, he and the President of the UAE released a commemorative stamp in Abu Dhabi to celebrate Gandhi’s philosophy of peace. The same year, during a visit to South Korea, Modi unveiled a Gandhi bust in Seoul.
To mark the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, PM Modi hosted a high-level event at the United Nations Headquarters in September 2019. There, he inaugurated the Gandhi Solar Park, the Gandhi Peace Garden, and launched a special edition of the Gandhi@150 Postage Stamps.
In 2018, PM Modi marked the site where Mahatma Gandhi’s ashes were immersed in Singapore. In 2017, he paid his respects at a Gandhi statue in Lisbon, Portugal.
Modi’s tributes have taken him to various countries, including South Africa in 2016, where he inaugurated an exhibition in Johannesburg dedicated to Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violence. He also visited Durban’s Phoenix Settlement, a site central to Gandhi’s legacy, and paid homage at the University of Nairobi in Kenya.
In 2015, Modi unveiled Gandhi statues in Kyrgyzstan and China, further spreading the message of non-violence and equality. His other significant tributes include honoring Gandhi in the UK, Germany, Turkmenistan, Mauritius, Australia, and the United States during his first term as Prime Minister.
On Gandhi’s 154th birth anniversary last year, Modi remarked on Gandhi’s enduring influence, stating, "Mahatma Gandhi’s teachings continue to illuminate our path, inspiring humanity towards unity and compassion. May we strive to realize his vision, and may his thoughts empower every young individual to be the change he envisioned, fostering global harmony and understanding."
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