Statue of Mahatma Gandhi unveiled in Peace Park   |13 June 2022

Gandhi’s statue gracing the Peace Park in Victoria (Photo: Louis Toussaint)

A bronze statue of the great Mahatma Gandhi in his traditional costume, wearing a spectacle while holding his walking stick, was unveiled to the Seychellois public on Saturday morning at the Peace Park, facing the Freedom Square in Victoria.

It was in a short ceremony that the statue commemorating the life, achievements and contributions of Mahatma Gandhi, known as the father of the Indian Nation, was unveiled by the outgoing Indian high commissioner to Seychelles, General Dalbir Singh Suhag, and the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Sylvestre Radegonde.

Present to also welcome the statue in Peace Park were former President Danny Faure, Designated Minister Jean-François Ferrari, other cabinet ministers, members of the diplomatic corps, distinguished guest and friends of India.

The statue joins that of Sir James Mancham, the founding President of the Republic of Seychelles and pioneer for reconciliation and peace, and of Nelson Mandela, South African anti-apartheid revolutionary, political leader, and philanthropist who served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999.

Gandhi, born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, India, was a lawyer, anti-colonial nationalist and political ethicist who employed non-violent resistance to lead the successful campaign for India's independence from British rule, and to later inspire movements for civil rights and freedom across the world. His struggle in South Africa inspired Nelson Mandela to wage his epic battle against apartheid and his doctrine of Satyagraha became the inspiration for the civil rights movement led by Martin Luther King in the United States.

Speaking on the occasion, HC Suhag, who spoke of Gandhi’s achievements, said he was indeed grateful to Seychelles for giving Mahatma Gandhi an eternal home in our beautiful country.

He noted that the statue is a meaningful tribute to a man who dedicated his entire life to the service of humanity.

He added that in these times of strife, reckless violence and wanton destruction in the world, his thoughts and values are ever more relevant.

“On behalf of the government and people of India and on my own behalf, I would like to thank all those who have contributed to making this wonderful initiative possible. I once again convey my best wishes for the continued progress and deepening of the ties between the people of India and Seychelles,” the outgoing high commissioner said.

For his part, Minister Radegonde, who also highlighted Gandhi’s achievements and legacy that inspired world generations, said that the unveiling of his statue also further cemented the long historical links between our country and India.

“The long ties between our two countries predate our own independence as a nation. Since then they have taken on a new dimension, resulting in a dynamic programme of cooperation in numerous spheres and sectors,” he said.

Minister Radegonde commended the significant contribution in the development of the country by Seychellois of Indian decent.

He added that a combination of enterprise and a strong work ethics, applied across a wide variety of disciplines, have added value to the richness of our communities, culture and society.

“As we celebrate another milestone in the Seychelles-India history, it is my hope that the two countries continue to work together to further enrich and diversify our cooperation,” Minister Radegonde stated.

Before the statue was unveiled, popular local artist Sandra had the honour to sing Gandhi’s favourite hymn ‘Vaishnava Jan To’.   

Minister Radegonde later said that the reason for Gandhi’s statue to be included in the Peace Park is that the park is dedicated to Seychellois and foreigners who have contributed significantly to bringing reconciliation and peace at local and international level and as Gandhi falls into the category there is no reason why he cannot be included in the park taking into account our country’s connection to the Indian origin like that of the African, Chinese and others.

Patrick Joubert