Bust of Mahatma Gandhi unveiled by PM Modi in Hiroshima

Hiroshima: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday unveiled a bust of Mahatma Gandhi in this Japanese city. He stated that the Gandhian ideals of peace and harmony resonate around the world and offer strength to millions.

Gandhi's bust is situated at this spot as a symbol of support for nonviolence and peace. On August 6, 1945, the United States carried out the first nuclear assault on Hiroshima, obliterating the city and killing almost 140,000 people.

Modi also spoke to reporters after unveiling the bust and said that even today the world gets scared when it hears the word Hiroshima.

The bust was gifted by India to Hiroshima as a symbol of friendship and goodwill between India and Japan on the occasion of Prime Minister Modi's visit to the city for the G7 summit.

"Unveiled Mahatma Gandhi's bust in Hiroshima. This bust in Hiroshima gives a very important message. The Gandhian ideals of peace and harmony reverberate globally and give strength to millions," the prime minister tweeted.

External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said the bust was a befitting tribute to a city that symbolises humanity's yearning for peace.

The 42-inch-tall bronze bust has been sculpted by Padma Bhushan awardee Ram Vanji Sutar. The bust site, adjacent to the Motoyasu River, is close to the iconic A-Bomb Dome that is visited by thousands of people - locals and tourists alike - every day.

Gandhi dedicated his life to peace and non-violence. The location truly resonates with the principles and life of Gandhiji, which continue to inspire the world and its leaders, the External Affairs Ministry said in a statement.

After unveiling the bust, Modi paid floral tributes to Gandhi.

With PTI inputs