North Dakota Gandhi statue unveiled at Bismarck's Peace Park

A North Dakota Gandhi statue was unveiled on Thursday at Peace Park in downtown Bismarck, bringing together state officials and Indian-American community members. It is the state's first life-size statue of Mahatma Gandhi, according to the Indian consulate in Seattle.

The installation received assistance from the Consulate General of India, with technical support from the North Dakota Trade Office and the local Indian-American community. Governor Kelly Armstrong, First Lady Kjersti Armstrong and Consul General Prakash Gupta dedicated it.

Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring and Bismarck Parks and Recreation District officials also attended. Students from North Dakota performed hymns associated with Gandhi during the ceremony.

Peace Park gains another installation

The North Dakota Gandhi monument joins public artworks already at Peace Park. Developed after the September 11 attacks, the park also contains bronze sculptures and a Peace Pole installed by the Gandhi Peace Network of North Dakota.

A plaque accompanying the new statue presents it as a gift linking the people of India and North Dakota. It also carries Gandhi's message about friendship with the world and the unity of humanity.

The unveiling took place during the month of Gandhi's 157th birth anniversary. His birthday on October 2 is also marked as the International Day of Non-Violence.

At the event, Goehring connected Gandhi's ideals with the growing relationship between India and the state. Kjersti Armstrong expressed admiration for his legacy, while Gupta emphasised the relevance of non-violence amid international conflicts.

The consulate said engagement with North Dakota had increased since its establishment in November 2023. Recent exchanges included a trade office delegation's visit to India and cultural and consular programmes in Fargo.

The Bismarck installation is the fifth Gandhi monument within the Seattle consulate's jurisdiction, following monuments in Bellevue, Seattle, Lincoln and Missoula.

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