Marking Mahatma Gandhi's martyr day (Gandhi Nirvan Din) on 30th January, the High Commission of India, in association with India League, hold an observance of Bapu's death anniversary where people come to pay their respects at his statue in Tavistock Square. CB Patel, chairman of India League started the tribute proceeding at the event.
This year marks the golden anniversary of the unveiling of Mahatma Gandhi's statue. The India League were very instrumental in introducing Gandhi's statue to Tavistock Square in London. The statue was sculpted by Fredda Brilliant, and was erected by the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Committee, with the support and guidance of the India League who had raised funds for the statue.
The Father of the Nation's statue was unveiled on 17thMay 1968 by the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon Harold Wilson MP. The first High Commissioner of independent India, V.K. Krishna Menon, was also at the unveiling of Mahatma Gandhi's statue in Bloomsbury. The Mayor and dignitaries from Camden Council, as well as others from British politics were also present at this monumental event.
V.K. Krishna Menon, who has been involved with India League from 1920s, was a great pillar of strength for this project. Menon was also the St Pancras Borough Councillor from 1934- 1952. Many British dignitaries also backed the India League, including socialist political theorist Harold Laski, and philosopher and Nobel laureate Bertrand Russell.
The London Borough of Camden gave a very prime sight in Central London for Gandhi's statue, which to this day is very well-maintained by India House. The staff at the High Commission of India UK maintain the statue at Tavistock Square on Gandhi's birth anniversary (2nd October) and Gandhi's martyr day (30 January). Apart from the maintenance of the statue, India House organise prayers for Gandhi Jayanti and Gandhi Nirvan Din, in association with India League. Since 1968, the High Commissioner of India graces both occasions.
It is remarkable that the former colonial “master” of India, Britain took a bold step in honouring the great man who was instrumental in freeing India from the clutches of British imperialism. The campaign to have Gandhi's statue in London was helped by Lord Sorenson, Lord Fenner Brockway, Michael Foot, as well as by many leaders from different political parties. The campaigned was spearheaded by Dr Tarapada Basu, who was the Chairman of India League.
At Tavistock Square, CB Patel said, “Last year, an academic from SOAS [School of Oriental and African Studies] situated nearby, informed me that students, scholars and visiting from NGOs regularly ask about Mahatma Gandhi's statue at Tavistock Square. Millions must have been inspired by this great man.”
The High Commissioner of India (UK), His Excellency Y.K. Sinha said, “On the 70th death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, a universally revered global icon and the father of the Indian nation, we must remember his timeless message of peace and non-violence. His teaching and ideals are relevant even today and the best tribute to him would be to internalise his message in our daily life.”
Councillor Richard Cotton, Mayor of Camden also graced the commemoration and gave a warm tribute to the life and message of Mahatma Gandhi. He also conveyed greetings from the Camden Council.
Members of the Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan were also present at the occasion where they sang Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram and Vaishnav Janato Tenere Kahiye.
Rev. G. Nagase from London Peace Pagoda, and Rev. Y. Maruta from Milton Keynes Peace Pagoda also attended the memorial. Rev. G. Nagase, who has been attending the observance every year since 1978, recited prayers at the commemoration.
Gandhi preached about peace and unity throughout his lifetime. His message of peace and oneness of mankind is more imminent in this chaotic day and age.
Please read the article on India League in Asian Voice (dated 23rd December 2017). Read the article on our website: https://www.asian-voice.com/Culture/India-League
