Here stands the Mahatma Gandhi Statue in Denpasar. It stands as a powerful reminder of Gandhi’s enduring legacy. This statue honors his profound influence that stretched far beyond India.
Mahatma Gandhi’s simple precepts offer guidance for all generations. His advocacy for non-violence moved humanity. He advocated non-violence as a means of overcoming oppression. His spirit of forgiveness profoundly shaped a perfect civilized society.
In Indonesia, the statue commemorates the impact of Gandhian ideologies. It particularly marks the work of Gedong Bagus Oka. She was a prominent Indonesian intellectual. She is known for establishing the Ashram Gandhi Canti Dasa in 1976.
Ibu Gedong Bagoes Oka, as she was known, was a devotee of Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy. She dedicated herself to applying Gandhi’s teachings to daily life in Indonesia. She sincerely believed Indonesia could progress in peace by following his principles.
Born in 1921, Ibu Gedong received a liberal western education. She studied Balinese literature and Asian philosophy. Christianity also influenced her. She reconciled her Hindu-Balinese traditions with Christian inspirations. She discovered the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi.
Ibu Gedong believed Balinese Hinduism was overburdened by complex rituals. She promoted a more spiritual approach to Balinese Hinduism. She fought for a strong role of religion in Indonesian society.
In 1949, she married I Goesti Bagoes Oka. Together, they shared an enthusiasm for Gandhi’s teachings. A visit to India in 1953 further solidified her dedication. She dedicated herself to finding ways that Mahatma Gandhi’s teachings could be applied to daily life.
Ibu Gedong translated four of Gandhi’s works into Indonesian. In 1974, she translated Gandhi’s autobiography. She provided Indonesian translations to schools in Bali. She lived as a vegetarian. She based her lifestyle on Gandhian principles of non-violence.
After reading Gandhi’s autobiography, she became convinced that he should be better known in Indonesia. She believed Indonesia could progress in peace by following Gandhian principles. One of her most remembered works is the Ashram Gandhi Canti Dasa. It is now known as Gedong Gandhi Ashram.
In 1970, she founded the Bali Canti Sena Foundation. It promoted Gandhian ideologies, starting in Bali. Seminars and workshops were organized. The Gandhian Ashram was founded in 1976. It taught young people about Gandhi’s principles.
The ashram follows the traditions of institutions established by Mahatma Gandhi. It adopted eleven vows. These include truth, non-violence, and non-stealing.
Ibu Gedong managed the ashram’s activities. These activities promoted local self-sufficiency. The ashram focused on delivering health and education services. It introduced Gandhian ideals to the community.
In 1996, she established the Ashram Bali Gandhi Vidhyapith in Denpasar. It educated students about Gandhian thoughts.
Always pro-actively fighting for inter-religious harmony. Ibu Gedong advocated a reformed, democratic, and tolerant practice of Hinduism. She saw it as compatible with other spiritual revelations.
Ibu Gedong received numerous awards for her work. In October 1999, she was elected as a member of the Indonesian Parliament.
Ibu Gedong passed away in 2002. She is remembered for her immense contribution to inter-religious harmony and education. Her Gandhi Ashram has conveyed the message of Mahatma Gandhi in Bali and Java.
This Mahatma Gandhi Statue stands as a testament to her work. It reminds us of Gandhi’s message of peace, truth, and self-sufficiency. It encourages us to live simply. It inspires us to serve our communities.