New Delhi, 22 July (H.S.): President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday unveiled a statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia, and said that in a world grappling with conflicts, intolerance and divisions, Gandhi’s message of dialogue, compassion and peaceful coexistence is more relevant today than ever before.

Addressing a ceremony held at the Skopje City Museum in the presence of North Macedonian President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, President Murmu said that Mahatma Gandhi belonged to India, but his message was meant for the entire humanity.

She said Gandhi’s life stands as a testimony that truth and non-violence are not signs of weakness but powerful tools to ensure justice, dignity and freedom.

President Murmu said the statue of Mahatma Gandhi would inspire people, especially the youth, to reject hatred, seek peaceful solutions to differences and serve society with courage and compassion.

She added that the statue would serve as a lasting symbol of the friendship between India and North Macedonia and the shared commitment of both countries towards peace, tolerance and humanity.

The ceremony was attended by Skopje Mayor Orce Gjorgjievski, Union Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya, and Members of Parliament Dinesh Sharma and Vijay Baghel.

Earlier, President Murmu, along with North Macedonian President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, visited the Mother Teresa Memorial in Skopje. Mother Teresa was born in Skopje and spent her childhood there until 1928. She later travelled to India via Ireland.

The Government of India honoured Mother Teresa with the country’s highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna, in 1980 for her humanitarian service and selfless contribution to society.

President Murmu is currently on the final leg of her three-nation visit and will depart for Bucharest, the capital of Romania, on Thursday.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar