SEATTLE: A bust of Mahatma Gandhi was unveiled at Seattle Center on October 2, in honour of the Indian freedom fighter’s birth anniversary. Positioned beneath the iconic Space Needle and adjacent to the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum, this marks the first installation dedicated to Gandhi in Seattle.
The ceremony was attended by notable figures, including Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, Congressman Adam Smith, and Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal. Leading the unveiling was Prakash Gupta, Consul General of India in Seattle, accompanied by Lt Gen Xavier Brunson, commander of the US First Corps in the Pacific Northwest, and Eddie Rye, chair of the Martin Luther King-Gandhi Initiative.
Speakers at the event emphasized Gandhi’s principles of Ahimsa (non-violence), Satyagraha (truth force), and Sarvodaya (welfare for all), underscoring their relevance in today’s world. Gandhi’s message of peaceful resistance continues to resonate globally, particularly in times of political and social unrest.
To further commemorate the occasion, Washington Governor Jay Inslee issued an official proclamation, acknowledging the bust as a gift from the Government of India to Seattle. The proclamation hailed the installation as a powerful reminder of Gandhi’s impact through non-violent activism.
Additionally, King County issued its own proclamation, designating October 2 as ‘Mahatma Gandhi Day’ across all 73 cities in the Greater Seattle area. The document honored Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violent resistance, which has inspired civil rights movements worldwide. The King County proclamation also connected Gandhi’s legacy to that of Dr Martin Luther King Jr., noting that King was a devoted follower of Gandhi’s teachings.
This event follows the opening of the Indian consulate in Seattle last November, which serves the Pacific Northwest and plays a key role in fostering cultural and diplomatic ties. The installation of Gandhi’s bust is part of a broader initiative across the region to promote peace and non-violence. The bust’s placement at Seattle Center, a location visited by millions annually, was chosen to align with the city’s values of inclusivity and its commitment to Gandhi’s teachings. Gandhi’s birthday is also recognized globally as the United Nations’ International Day of Non-Violence.
