DUBAI: UAE’s Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan unveiled the bust of Mahatma Gandhi at the Consulate General of India in Dubai on Tuesday.
“Gandhi’s thoughts of leading a diverse population remind me of Sheikh Zayed’s conviction about the establishment of a culture of tolerance and passion and dialogue in the UAE,” said Sheikh Nahyan. He also highlighted the message of peace, civility and non-violence.
The bust was inaugurated after his speech in the presence of India’s ambassador to the UAE Sunjay Sudhir and Consul General Dr Aman Puri.
Business leaders, religious figures, envoys from various countries and members of the Indian community attended the event which drew parallels between the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi and the UAE’s founding father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
Addressing the delegates, he said, “Today we recognise his enduring call to all to be aware, lying on our non-violence strength and to be agents of peaceful change,” as he described Mahatma Gandhi as a remarkable man.”In my view, today’s event is an opportunity for us to reflect on the state of our world. To look at the individual roles we each can play. And, most importantly, to focus our attention on their utility,” he said.
Al Nahyan further added by saying that the celebration belongs to the most influential figures in modern history.”By unveiling this bust of Mahatma Gandhi, today we are grateful to the Embassy of India, to the consul general of India in Dubai and to the Indian community in the UAE. For this celebration of one of the most influential figures in modern history,” he added.
Calling India a ‘close friend’, he stated how the country has acted as a friend with whom UAE has enjoyed a long, friendly and productive relationship.
The bust measures 42 inches and is made out of bronze, the bust was a gift by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) to the Consulate General.