Toronto:
A bronze sculpture of Mahatma Gandhi was unveiled at the prestigious Canadian Museum of Human Rights (CMHR) located in Winnipeg.
Unveiling the 500-kg statue, Indian high commissioner to Canada Shashishekhar Gavai said, "Gandhi's message for peace and justice belong to all people of the world, no matter where we live".
"I think it's appropriate that the statue is located at the entrance of CMHR, a great institution. Mahatma Gandhi's belief in human rights is indivisible, absolute and uncompromising," Gavai added.
The Government of India presented the statue as a gift to the Friends of CMHR in 2004.
The sculpture was created by renowned sculptor Ram Vanji Sutor and has been on display at the Fork Market Building for the past six years and now it has found a permanent home.
A large number of Indo-Canadians attended the function organised by the Friends of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.
Hemant Shah, Chairman Indian Chapter of Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce who presented a book on Gandhi to Gail Asper, national campaign chair for the Friends of Canadian Museum of Human Rights, said, "It is a very proud moment for every Indian particularly people belonging to Gujarat who are celebrating golden jubilee year".
Asper said the Indian government did so at the urging of Winnipeg doctor Naranjan Dhalla, who got the idea after discussing the museum with Asper's father Izzy, who envisioned the CMHR.
Gandhi is widely seen as one of the greatest champions of human rights, having helped lead India to independence while promoting non-violent political action.