Indian President Ram Nath Kovind on Sunday unveiled the Philippines’ first bronze bust of Mahatma Gandhi at Miriam College in Quezon City, calling it a gift from his people and a symbol of the two countries’ “shared journey of peace.”
Kovind said he was honored to lead the unveiling of Gandhi’s bust, adding that India’s apostle of peace and the Philippines’ national hero, Jose Rizal, both believed in the power of nonviolence.
“[I have] no doubt that the students who [will] pass by this [bust] will continue to be inspired by [Gandhi’s] legacy—being just in conduct, compassionate and humble in treating fellow human beings, and standing up and championing truth and truth alone even in the most trying times,” he added.
Gandhi was known in India as one of the leaders in its struggle for independence from Britain through nonviolent means.
“This bust of Gandhi is a gift from the people of India to you. But Mahatma belongs to all peoples, all friendships…. May he continue to guide us in our shared journey of peace, harmony and sustainable development for all,” Kovind said. —Meg Adonis