Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday unveiled a bust of Mahatma Gandhi at the city hall of Hannover, saying it was a moment of pride not only for the residents of the city but also for every individual who has faith in humanity. Describing the Mahatma as a "yug purush (a great man)", Modi said he belonged to the whole world.
Noting the world was facing challenges of terrorism and global warming, he contended that Mahatma Gandhi's life provided answers to these issues. As PM Modi reached City Hall after his meeting with chief executives of German companies at the Maritim Grand Hotel, Steven Schostok, the mayor of Hannover, came out of City Hall to greet the prime minister.
In a brief ceremony inside, Schostok welcomed the Indian Prime Minister to Hannover and thanked him for making India the partner country in this year's Hannover Messe, the world's largest industrial fair.
Speaking in German, the mayor expressed the hope that India and Germany can work together for the mutual benefit of each other. On his part, Modi thanked Schostok for the warm welcome he was accorded and said that he was thankful that the mayor "honoured me in a building which is over 102 years old". He also signed the Golden Book of the City Hall of Hannover.
Speaking after unveiling the bust, Modi said, “If we look at Mahatma Gandhi we can find solutions in his philosophy. He always spoke of the environment, and protecting the environment, and through his life he would give the message. And today, when the world is getting bloodied with terrorism to finish humanity, the message of non-violence and vasudhaiva kutumbakam is a valid message for all. Mahatma Gandhi is an inspiration for the whole world.” he said.
