Have you ever paused to consider the echoes of history resonating within a statue? Here at the Mahatma Ghandi Statue in Port of Spain, those echoes tell a powerful story. This isn’t just a bronze figure. It is a symbol of peace, resilience, and the enduring connection between Trinidad and Tobago and India.
The Mahatma Ghandi Statue stands as a testament to the deep appreciation Trinbagonians hold for Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals. These include truth, non-violence, and peace. Gandhi’s philosophy resonated strongly here. His opposition to indentureship, a system that brought many Indian laborers to Trinidad, is highly respected.
The statue was installed in October 1988 in the Mahatma Gandhi square in Port of Spain. It was a gift from Ramdeo Sampat Mehta. He was a noted jurist of Indian origin. The statue was sculpted by Balkishan Guru, whose father was born in Trinidad. Every year on Gandhi Jayanti, the Mayor of Port of Spain and the High Commissioner of India garland this statue. This act symbolizes continued respect and admiration.
But why is Gandhi so revered here, despite never having set foot on Trinidadian soil? In 1915, Gandhi spoke out against the indentureship system. Eventually, the practice ended in 1917. Although he never visited Trinidad, he sent C. F. Andrews in 1930 to study the situation. Andrews listened to the plight of indentured laborers.
There are actually multiple Gandhi statues and memorials throughout Trinidad. A committee was formed in San Fernando in February 1950 to erect a statue. Sculptor Nagesh Yawalkara was commissioned to create a life-size bronze of Mahatma Gandhi. The Indian community living in Trinidad and Tobago funded the statue. The then Bombay Mayor, S.K. Patil, approved the statue in July 1951. This was the first statue of the Mahatma in the Caribbean.
In 1958, Eric Williams renamed Cooliewood to Gandhi Village. In 2003, the villagers installed a bust of Gandhiji, donated by the Government of India. You can also find Gandhiji at the National Council for Indian Culture and the Mayor of Chaguanas’ office compound.
The Indian culture centre in Trinidad and Tobago is named after Gandhiji. In 2020, a bust of Gandhiji was unveiled at the Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Cultural Cooperation. Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Basudeo Pandey laid the foundation stone in 1999.
The High Commission of India also contributes to the upkeep of Gandhi Park and the statues. This ensures that these spaces remain beautiful and well-maintained. These statues and memorials serve as focal points for celebrating Indian culture and Gandhian ideals.
As you stand before the Mahatma Ghandi Statue, consider its message. It is a reminder of the power of non-violence. It also highlights the shared history and values that connect Trinidad and Tobago with India. It’s a call to be the change we wish to see in the world, a principle Mahatma Gandhi lived by and one that continues to inspire.