Public invited to see Indian Finance Minister unveil new statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Parliament Square
Shri Arun Jaitley, the Indian Finance Minister, is set to unveil the new statue of Mahatma Gandhi this Saturday as part of a two day visit to the UK.
The unveiling ceremony in London’s Parliament Square on Saturday 14 March will be open to members of the public, who will be the first to see the historic statue. The ceremony will feature personal reflections from Mahatma Gandhi’s grandson, and former Governor of West Bengal, Shri Gopalkrishna Gandhi. It will also be attended by Lord and Lady Desai of the Gandhi Statue Memorial Trust.
This will be Shri Jaitley’s first official visit to the UK as Finance Minister and the programme reflects the broad and deepening relationship enjoyed by India and the UK. This close partnership and co-operation between the UK and India is generating more jobs, growth and security for our two nations.
During his visit, Shri Jaitley will also meet the Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, and Culture Secretary, Sajid Javid, in order to discuss the development of closer UK-India ties. Shri Jaitley will also meet with top business leaders and investors.
Indian Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said:
It is with great pleasure that I have accepted Prime Minister Cameron’s invitation to attend the inauguration of the new statue of Gandhi in Parliament Square in London. Mahatma Gandhi will be honoured in this most prestigious location for his work in peacefully leading India’s struggle for independence.
The statue will help ensure that the legacy of Gandhi lives on for future generations. It also marks an important, historic moment celebrating the strong bond between our two nations. India and the UK share the same values and we are a partnership of equals. This lasting friendship is just one of many legacies left by Gandhi, which I am keen that we work hard to strengthen further.
UK Culture Secretary Sajid Javid said:
I am delighted Shri Jaitley is coming to the UK to unveil this historic statue. The UK and India have strong links and I look forward to discussing ways both our countries can further prosper by working together. The relationship we have today with India is one that Mahatma Gandhi dreamed of - as friends and equals.
Notes to Editors
- The role of Finance Minister in India is equivalent to the Chancellor of the Exchequer in the UK.
- The Gandhi Statue unveiling ceremony will be open to the public. Gates will open in Parliament Square at 0915Hrs and the ceremony will start at 1000Hrs.
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