Vice President unveils Gandhi statue at Rajghat

New Delhi, Oct 2 (IANS) Vice President Venkaiah Naidu on Monday unveiled a 1.8 metre-tall bronze statue of Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat on the occasion of his 148th birth anniversary.

Speaking on the occasion, Naidu said: "We should all strive together to realise the dreams of Gandhiji and usher in 'Ram Rajya'."

"Gandhiji's thoughts are immortal, his wish for Ram Rajya should be properly understood. Ram Rajya means an ideal rule, where there is no fear, hunger, corruption, exploitation or discrimination. It is our duty at various levels and we must all work for the ideals of Ram Rajya, given to the expectations of Mahatma Gandhi," Naidu said.

The 1.8-meter-long bronze statue is the first statue at the Rajghat complex.

An official statement said the statue of the "champion of country's independence" would appeal to a large number of visitors.

"The new statue would offer another spot for them to pay their respect to the great soul," the statement said.

Built at a cost of Rs 8.73 lakh, the statue, sculpted by renowned artist Ram Sutar, is installed in the parking area of the Rajghat Samadhi Complex.

The famous message of Gandhi, "Be the change you wish to see", is inscribed on the front side of the pedestal.

The installation of the statue is part of the improvement work at Rajghat undertaken during the last three years, the statement said.

Naidu also inaugurated an Interpretation Centre at Rajghat. The Rs 59-lakh facility would enable interactive learning about the life and work of the Mahatma through digital display using LED screens.

"Visitors can watch films, life events, listen to speeches of Gandhiji besides participating in quiz."

The Samadhi complex also got a new administrative block, built at a cost of about Rs 75 lakh, which is equipped with visitors' room, publication unit, staff room and drinking water facility.