Embassy of India
Sofia
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Press Release
The grand finale of the 150th Birth Anniversary celebrations of Mahatma Gandhi, global apostle of peace & non-violence and Father of the Indian Nation was marked by unveiling of his statue in thecity of Varna by H.E. Mr. Ivan Portnih, the Mayor of Varna city and H.E. Ms. Pooja Kapur, Ambassador of India to Bulgaria and North Macedonia, on 20 October 2020. The unveiling took place at the Garden next to the G. Rakovski High School of Economics, Varna at 11:30 hours and was graced by eminent persons from all walks of life as well as the media from all over Bulgaria.
The 6’ 4” bronze statue of Mahatma Gandhi, crafted by eminent sculptor Mr. Ram Sutar, has been gifted by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, Government of India. This was the second statue of Mahatma Gandhi to be installed in Bulgaria to mark his 150th birth anniversary celebrations - A statue curated by sculptor Mr. Ivan Rusev had earlier been inaugurated by Hon’ble President of India H.E. Mr. Ram Nath Kovind and Hon’ble President of Bulgaria H.E. Mr. Rumen Radev in September, 2018, at South Park, Sofia.
Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Pooja Kapur said that the event was a very special tribute by the people of Varna to one of history’s most transformative and inspirational figures who inspired eminent Bulgarians like Georgi Sava Rakovski and Boris Georgiev.
A message from the Deputy Prime Minister for Judicial Reform and Foreign Minister H.E. Ms. Ekaterina Zaharieva was also read out on the occasion where she highlighted Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy and principles continuing to guide not only the people of India, but also many other far beyond its borders, on a path towards harmony.
Bulgarians have paid rich tribute to Mahatma Gandhi during his 150th Birth Anniversary celebrations which have included an exhibition of specially created artworks by 20 eminent Bulgarian artists, release of a special commemorative stamp, ‘Satyavarta’ talks on what Mahatma Gandhi means to them, lectures, webinars, quiz and painting competitions, film screenings, LED projections, tree planting drives, musical tributes, etc.
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