Mahatma Gandhi bust unveiled in Seattle, establishing October 2 as Mahatma Gandhi Day
By: Vandana Jhingan
This week, a bust of Mahatma Gandhi was unveiled at the iconic Seattle Center, located just beneath the Space Needle and adjacent to the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum. This installation marks the first bust of Gandhi in a city celebrated for its vibrant cultural scene.
The unveiling ceremony was attended by esteemed dignitaries, including Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, Congressman Adam Smith, Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, Lt. Gen. Xavier Brunson, Commander of the US First Corps in the Pacific Northwest, and Mr. Eddie Rye, Chair of the Martin Luther King-Gandhi Initiative. The Consul General of India, Prakash Gupta, was also present, along with prominent members of the Indian American community who gathered to honor the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti.
October 2nd, the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, is also recognized as the International Day of Non-Violence by the United Nations. All dignitaries who spoke during the ceremony emphasized the enduring values of Ahimsa (Non-Violence), Satyagraha (truth force), and Sarvodaya (welfare for all) as essential in today’s world.
The Consulate General of India and the City of Seattle collaborated to select a fitting location for Gandhi’s bust. Given its accessibility and commitment to promoting peace and non-violence, the Seattle Center—drawing over 12 million visitors annually—was deemed an ideal site.
To commemorate the occasion, Washington State Governor Jay Inslee issued an official proclamation recognizing the bust as a lasting tribute to Gandhi’s teachings and a powerful reminder of the impact of non-violence in enacting change. Additionally, King County proclaimed October 2nd as Mahatma Gandhi Day across all 73 cities in the Greater Seattle area.
It is worth noting that the first Indian Consulate in Seattle began operations in November 2023, covering the Pacific Northwest, including the states of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Alaska. The installation of the Mahatma Gandhi bust in Seattle is part of a broader initiative being implemented across its consular jurisdiction.
