A flower-laying ceremony took place in Manchester on the 151st birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
The 9ft bronze statue of the icon of peace was unveiled a year ago in Manchester by Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshbhai, Founder and Spiritual Head of Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur (SRMD).
The Organisation head-quartered in India, is inspired by India’s poet saint and Enlightened Master Shrimad Rajchandraji who was a spiritual guide, mentor and friend of the young Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi.
The statue project costs were sponsored by the Kamani Family in memory of their grandfather, fellow scholar, Bhanji Khanji Kamani.
A flower laying ceremony at the statue in Cathedral Square, to mark the birthday was attended by several dignitaries and representatives from various faiths including the Lord Mayor of Manchester, Councilor Abid Chohan, Mr Navendu Mishra MP, Mrs Aisha Kamani, Cannon Marcia Wall from Manchester Cathedral, Rabbi Warren Elf, Director, Faith Network for Manchester, Councilors and faith leaders.
Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester said,”Gandhi is a leader who championed the power of peaceful protest and his teachings are as relevant today as ever".
Aisha Kamani wife of Mahmud Kamani founder of Boohoo.com said, “This statue is significant for the city of Manchester as it represents Mahatma Gandhi’s values of peace ,love and unity, specially right now because of COVID -19. It reminds us to stay loving and open our hearts to the people. I am proud to be part of this through my family and as a Mancunian.”
Gandhi Jayanti, Consul General of India, Birmingham Dr Shashank Vikram said, "His legacy continues to be relevant in these times."
SRMD UK were also recignised for their social welfare initiatives during this global COVID-19 pandemic crisis. SRMD UK ran a ‘Support our Superheroes’ campaign which distributed gratitude packs to 11,500 key workers.
The ongoing ‘Spreading Smiles’ campaign has spent over £57,000 touching 80,720 homeless and vulnerable lives, by supplying over 18,000 kg of food, 19,600 snacks, 21,9600 cups of tea and coffee, 45,300 servings of cereal, 13,860 tins and 39,700 items of PPE equipment to date. In Manchester, volunteers continue to prepare 200 hot meals for the homeless and vulnerable every week.
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