A bronze statue of Mahatma Gandhi has been unveiled at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Sydney.
The sculpture on the lawns of the library of the university was gifted to the institution by the Government of India along with a collection of books, an official statement said.
Safe environment
Sydney-based Indian diplomat Amit Dasgupta, who presented the gifts in October last when the crisis related to attacks on Indian students was at its peak, acknowledged the work being done by the university in maintaining close relations with the Indian community and providing a safe environment for Indian students.
At the unveiling of the statue, Mr. Dasgupta said education and globalisation were keys to spreading messages against violence.
“Gandhi was born in India, but he belongs to each and every one of you,” he said.
Vice Chancellor Fred Hilmer said the sculpture attracted much interest from students.
Mr. Dasgupta, the Vice Chancellor and treasurer Eric Roozendaal unveiled the sculpture in the presence of university members and people from the Indian community.
The event was held on the 100th anniversary of Wattle Day that is celebrated on September 1.
Wattles are the first plants that rise from the ashes of bushfires and provide protection for other seedlings.
“Wattle is to be a lasting symbol of student safety at the UNSW,” Pro-Vice-Chancellor Jennie Lang said, adding that the plant would be grown around the campus as a message of goodwill.
