Mahatma Gandhi's sculpture unveiled in Adelaide

Melbourne, Jan 19 (PTI) A bronze sculpture of Mahatma Gandhi was today unveiled in the southern Australian city of Adelaide. The 1.95 metres tall sculpture of Gandhi, one of the world's most inspirational figures and a champion of the causes of civil rights and freedom, was unveiled by Premier of South Australia Jay Weatherill at the University of Adelaide. The bronze sculpture, created by noted Indian sculptor Gautam Pal, was a gift to the university from Indian government. Kolkata-based Pal's bronze statues of luminaries grace many world venues. The sculpture represented the strong links between South Australia and India, Weatherill said at the event also attended by Sydney-based Consul General of India Amit Dasgupta. "India is the world's largest democracy and has been an important partner for us over many years. Education and research play critical roles for our governments, businesses and communities in both South Australia and India, and our State is a key educational destination for Indian students," Weatherill said. The sculpture's plinth has been inscribed with a Gandhi's quote "Be the change you wish to see". "Mahatma Gandhi has been a key figure in India's modern history and also in the history of the world. We feel honoured to have received such a gift, and to have it as a special part of our campus," University of Adelaide Vice-Chancellor and President James McWha said. Gandhi's sculpture was also unveiled at the University of New South Wales in Sydney in 2010 as a mark of close ties the Indian community has with Australia. PTI