External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized the timeless relevance of Mahatma Gandhi’s messages, stating that solutions do not come from a battlefield and that no era should be an era of war. Jaishankar made these remarks on Sunday during the unveiling of a bust of Gandhi at Freedom Plaza in Edogawa, Tokyo. He highlighted the ongoing significance of Gandhi’s teachings in today’s world, which is rife with conflict, polarization, and bloodshed. Jaishankar noted, “Gandhiji’s message was that solutions do not come from a battlefield, that no era should be an era of war. And that message applies today as much as it did 80 years ago.”
Advocate of Sustainable Growth
Jaishankar also underscored Gandhi’s foresight regarding sustainability and green growth, calling him the original prophet of sustainable development. He pointed out that Gandhi’s advocacy for living in harmony with nature is increasingly relevant in contemporary discussions on climate change and sustainability. “The message of Gandhiji, that it is not just something for governments to do, but for everybody to do in their personal life, is something which again we pass on,” Jaishankar said.
Strengthening India-Japan Relations
During the event, Jaishankar acknowledged the significance of Edogawa Ward’s decision to build a relationship with India by erecting the statue of Mahatma Gandhi. He noted that Gandhi is not only the father of the Indian nation but also a global icon whose achievements and messages continue to resonate worldwide. “The achievements of Mahatma Gandhi have far outlived his own times, with the passage of time they have got more and more importance,” he said. Jaishankar also highlighted the vibrant Indian community in Tokyo, which gathers in large numbers at Edogawa, and expressed hope that this event would further strengthen the bonds between India and Japan.
Impact of Gandhi’s Legacy
Reflecting on Gandhi’s impact, Jaishankar remarked that without Gandhi, India’s independence struggle might have taken a different direction or a much longer path. He credited India’s independence as the catalyst for the decolonization of Asia, Africa, and Latin America. “When India became free, other parts of Asia became free, Africa became free, Latin America became free,” he said, adding that India’s current status as the world’s fifth-largest economy and the evolving global multipolarity can be traced back to Gandhi’s historical contributions.
