PRESS RELEASE
Embassy of India Commemorates Gandhi Jayanti with Multiple Events Across Guatemala, Unveiling two Busts of Mahatma Gandhi
The Embassy of India in Guatemala organized a series of commemorative events across the country on October 2-3, 2025, to mark Gandhi Jayanti, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi celebrated annually on October 2, who was one of the key leaders of the Indian independence movement and a pioneer of the philosophy and strategy of nonviolence. The celebrations reflected the growing enthusiasm among Guatemalans for Mahatma Gandhi's timeless teachings of peace, non-violence, and social justice.
2. The increasing admiration for Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy in Guatemala has resulted in the installation of several busts of the Father of the Indian Nation across the country in recent years. The Embassy of India has been instrumental in this endeavor, having already installed five busts at various significant locations throughout Guatemala. These monuments serve as enduring symbols of the universal values that Gandhi championed and stand as bridges connecting Indian and Guatemalan cultures through shared principles of peace, dignity, and human rights. The presence of these busts in public spaces has sparked meaningful conversations among Guatemalan citizens about non-violent resistance, social equality, and ethical leadership, demonstrating the global relevance of Gandhi's message even decades after his passing.
3. To commemorate this year's Gandhi Jayanti, H.E. Mr. Raj Kumar Singh, Ambassador of India to Guatemala, unveiled the sixth bust of Mahatma Gandhi at the Don Bosco Centre in San Pedro Carchá, Alta Verapaz, on October 2, 2025. The ceremony was held in a spirit of reverence and celebration, bringing together members of the local community, educational institutions, and dignitaries who share a commitment to Gandhi's ideals.
4. In his address, Ambassador Singh spoke eloquently about Mahatma Gandhi's extraordinary life and legacy. He highlighted how Gandhi's philosophy of Satyagraha—the pursuit of truth through non-violent means—transformed not only India's freedom struggle but also inspired civil rights movements worldwide, including those led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the United States and Nelson Mandela in South Africa. The Ambassador emphasized that Gandhi's teachings remain profoundly relevant in today's world, offering pathways to resolve conflicts peacefully, promote social harmony, combat injustice, and build inclusive societies. He noted that Guatemala, with its own rich history of community solidarity and indigenous wisdom emphasizing harmony with nature and collective well-being, shares deep philosophical connections with Gandhian principles. Ambassador Singh expressed gratitude to the Don Bosco Centre for embracing Gandhi's legacy and providing a home for his bust, which will inspire generations of young Guatemalans to pursue excellence with integrity and compassion.
5. Father Antonio, representing the Don Bosco Centre, delivered heartfelt remarks expressing the institution's honor in hosting the bust of such a globally revered leader. He spoke about the alignment between Gandhi's values and the Salesian educational philosophy of Don Bosco, which emphasizes character formation, service to others, and social responsibility. Father Antonio highlighted how Gandhi's life exemplifies the power of moral courage and principled action, qualities that the Centre seeks to instill in its students. He assured that the bust would occupy a place of prominence at the Centre and would serve as a daily reminder to students and visitors of the transformative potential of peaceful resistance and ethical living.
6. The ceremony was enriched by a vibrant musical performance by children from the Don Bosco Centre, who presented traditional and contemporary pieces celebrating peace and unity. Their enthusiasm and talent added a joyful dimension to the solemn occasion, demonstrating how Gandhi's message resonates across generations and cultures. The Centre also organized additional programs throughout the day, including essay competitions, art exhibitions depicting scenes from Gandhi's life, discussions on non-violence, and community service activities, all designed to engage students and community members in meaningful reflection on Gandhi's contributions to humanity.
7. On October 3, 2025, the Embassy organized the unveiling of the sixth bust of Mahatma Gandhi at the Don Bosco Centre in Chemelco. This ceremony, which could not be held on October 2 due to logistical constraints, was equally significant and well-attended. The event featured speeches by local dignitaries and educational leaders who spoke about Gandhi's enduring influence on global thought and action. Ambassador Singh once again addressed the gathering, reiterating the importance of Gandhi's message in fostering peace and social justice in contemporary society. He encouraged the youth present to study Gandhi's writings and draw inspiration from his unwavering commitment to truth and non-violence.
8. The highlight of the Chemelco ceremony was a moving musical performance by students, who presented songs celebrating peace, brotherhood, and social harmony. The performances reflected the deep emotional connection that Guatemalan youth have developed with Gandhi's ideals. Faculty members and community leaders also spoke about how the presence of Gandhi's bust at their Centre would serve as a constant source of inspiration and would facilitate educational programs centered on conflict resolution, ethical leadership, and community service. The Don Bosco Centre in Chemelco committed to organizing annual commemorations of Gandhi Jayanti and integrating Gandhian philosophy into their curriculum and community outreach programs.
9. In addition to the unveilings in Alta Verapaz, the Embassy of India organized a special commemorative event at its Chancery premises in Guatemala City on October 2, 2025. The ceremony brought together Embassy staff members, their families, members of the Indian diaspora, local community representatives, and friends of India for a solemn tribute to the Father of the Nation.
10. In a particularly moving demonstration of Gandhi's universal appeal and the enduring cultural connections of the Indian diaspora, members of the H.I.N.D.U.G.U.A paid floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi in Livingston, Guatemala. This event reflected the solidarity and cultural pride of the East Indian community across the Caribbean region, whose ancestors migrated from India to the Caribbean and Central America over a century ago as indentured laborers. The descendants of these early Indian migrants have preserved their cultural heritage, traditions, and values across generations despite being far from their ancestral homeland. The tribute ceremony in Livingston was organized with great devotion and brought together members of the East Indian community who continue to honor their roots while contributing to Guatemalan society. Participants gathered at a community center where they had erected a temporary shrine with Gandhi's photograph adorned with flowers and traditional lamps.
11. The multi-faceted celebrations of Gandhi Jayanti organized by the Embassy of India across Guatemala—from the unveiling of busts in San Pedro Carchá and Chemelco to the solemn ceremony at the Chancery and the heartfelt tribute by the East Indian diaspora in Livingston—demonstrate the profound and growing impact of Mahatma Gandhi's teachings in Guatemala. The installation of the sixth and seventh busts of Gandhi represents not merely the erection of monuments but the planting of seeds of peace, non-violence, and social justice in Guatemalan soil.
