Mahatma Gandhi Statue to grace 1000 Buddhas Park at Mahabodhi, Ladakh
By Harish Sharma
Rishikesh, 26 Jul: Swami Chidanand Saraswati, the spiritual leader and President of Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh, has offered to install a standing statue of Mahatma Gandhi in the newly developed and breathtakingly beautiful 1000 Buddhas Park at the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre (MIMC) in Leh, Ladakh.
During his recent visit to the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre, Swami Chidanand Saraswati was taken by Bhikkhu Sanghasena to the newly created Buddha Park.
The serene landscape, adorned with a thousand exquisite Buddha statues set against the majestic Himalayan backdrop, left Swami Chidanand completely mesmerised.
While walking through the park and immersed in its peaceful aura, Bhikkhu Sanghasena shared his long-cherished desire to install a statue of Mahatma Gandhi within this sacred space a symbolic meeting of the Buddha’s compassion and Gandhi’s message of non-violence, truth, and universal brotherhood.
Moved by this vision, Swami Chidanand Saraswati promptly and wholeheartedly accepted the responsibility. He told Guruji, “Just let me know the dimensions of the statue. After that, it will be my responsibility to make it and install it as soon as possible.”
The presence of Mahatma Gandhi’s statue among a thousand Buddhas will stand as a powerful reminder that the path of non-violence and selfless service transcends all boundaries of religion, region, and time.
The Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre, under the guidance of Bhikkhu Sanghasena, has long been a living example of “Compassion in Action.”
The addition of this Gandhi statue will further enrich the spiritual and cultural landscape of Ladakh, offering visitors and devotees a unique space for reflection, inspiration, and harmony.
This collaboration between two great spiritual leaders is expected to become another shining chapter in the ongoing journey of peace and service at Mahabodhi.
