Gandhi Statue

Where Sardar Patel Marg meets Mother Teresa Crescent, stands the Gyarah Murti. It’s more than just a statue. It’s a tableau, a story frozen in bronze. The Gyarah Murti, a tribute to India’s fight for freedom, showcases eleven figures. At the head is Mahatma Gandhi. He is followed by ten others from diverse backgrounds. This powerful sculpture, commissioned by the Indian government, was created by Devi Prasad Roy Choudhury. It was unveiled in 1972, marking India’s silver jubilee of independence. The Gyarah Murti often gets mistaken for a depiction of the Dandi March. However, the plaque tells a different story. It speaks of generations of Indians who struggled against foreign rule. It culminates in Mahatma Gandhi’s leadership of the Indian National Congress and Jawaharlal Nehru becoming India’s first prime minister. The figures behind Gandhi aren’t famous individuals. They represent the everyday Indian, from all walks of life, united in their pursuit of independence. A woman with a draped sari, a Hindu, Sikh, and Muslim man standing together. A turbaned man, an emaciated figure. A Christian priest, a woman, a young man encouraging an elder. Each figure, standing eight feet tall, adds to the narrative. The entire installation stretches 26 meters long and 3 meters tall. The Gyarah Murti has been replicated in other Indian cities. It’s even appeared on the old 500-rupee note and a Togolese postage stamp. A digital print called “Who Deviated First?” depicts the figures walking away from Gandhi. This artwork symbolizes India’s deviation from his ideals. The Gyarah Murti isn’t without its share of drama. In 1999, Gandhi’s spectacles were stolen and have never been recovered. This adds another layer to the story of this iconic monument. The Gyarah Murti serves as a potent symbol of India’s struggle. It is a reminder of the unity and resilience of its people. It’s a testament to the power of peaceful resistance and the enduring legacy of Mahatma Gandhi.