Unveiling of Statue of Mahatma Gandhi

I greet you all in the languages of the realm of New Zealand - English, Maori, Cook Island Maori, Niuean, Tokelauan and New Zealand Sign Language.

Greetings, Kia Ora, Kia Orana, Fakalofa Lahi Atu, Taloha Ni and as it is the afternoon and the sun is in the sky (Sign).

May I then specifically acknowledge you: Your Excellency, Mr Kadakath Pathrose Ernest, High Commissioner of India and Mrs Ernest; Your Worship, Kerry Prendergast, Mayor of Wellington; Alick Shaw, Deputy Mayor; Hon Chris Carter, Minister for Ethnic Affairs; Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Member of Parliament Charles Chauvel; Councillors; Distinguished Guests otherwise, Ladies and Gentlemen.  May I then add, in the context of this afternoon, the greetings Namaste, Namashkar, Kam Cho, Sat Sri Akaal and Salaam Walaikum.

Thank you for the invitation to join the Mayor of Wellington in unveiling this bronze statute of Mahatma Gandhi. 

I would like to take an opportunity to speak briefly of Gandhi's values and their continuing relevance to the world today.  I would also like to comment on the growing links between India and New Zealand.

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was born on this day 138 years ago in Porbandar Gujerat, in north-western India.  Seventy-nine years later on January 30 1948, less than six months after India's independence—for which he had devoted more than 30 years of his life—he was shot dead by a Hindu extremist.

Through his philosophy of non-violent protest against oppression and injustice, formed during his early years as a lawyer in South Africa, and brought to full force in India, he saw the Indian sub-continent freed of British colonial rule.

He opposed the partition and, when India and Pakistan celebrated independence sixty years ago in August 1947, he was alone in Calcutta mourning the split, which resulted in thousands of deaths and the displacement of millions more.  A well known New Zealand Indian is Rotorua surgeon, Dr Munir Kadri, with whom I have been in contact when visiting Rotorua recently.  Munir Kadri who was raised in Ahmedabad in Gujerat, knew Gandhi as a family friend.  In an article published last month in India Munir has written of his own experience of the Independence days.   He wrote that when he told the Mahatma that he was going to Delhi to witness the independence celebrations Gandhi responded:

"What is there to celebrate—I shall weep tears of blood that day."

Despite the bloodshed, he continued to work for peace between Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs until his death.

After his death, Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru addressed the nation on radio and in a famous passage said:

"Friends and comrades, the light has gone out of our lives, and there is darkness everywhere, and I do not quite know what to tell you or how to say it. Our beloved leader the father of the nation, is no more ... We will not see him again, as we have seen him for these many years, we will not run to him for advice or seek solace from him, and that is a terrible blow, not only for me, but for millions and millions in this country."

But while the light had gone out and his counsel could no longer be sought, the spirit of his teachings—his legacy—has lived on.

Gandhi promoted the search for truth, Satya, and the use of non-violence, non-resistance and non-co-operation to achieve self-determination and an end to injustice.  He also promoted simplicity in life, spiritual and physical purity, and a respect and tolerance for other religions.

His words ring out as a beacon of hope to oppressed peoples everywhere.  As Gandhi said:

"When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love has always won. There have been tyrants and murderers and for a time they seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall —think of it, always."

While a highly devout Hindu, he could see the inner truth of all faiths and was quick to criticise anyone who hypocritically used religion for unjust ends. In this time, when religion is again being used to justify horrific acts of violence, his words seem particularly apt. As he said:

"There is no such thing as religion over-riding morality. Man, for instance, cannot be untruthful, cruel or incontinent and claim to have God on his side."

Time magazine, which named Mahatma Gandhi Man of the Year in 1930, and runner-up to Albert Einstein as Man of the Century in 1999, recently pointed to his legacy by naming several high profile people who have fought—and sometimes died—in the fight against oppression, naming them "the Children of Gandhi." 

Those people included Polish Solidarity leader Lech Walesa, Dr Martin Luther King Jr; Myanmar democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, and South African anti-apartheid leaders, Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

This statute of Mahatma Gandhi, which is believed to be the first erected in New Zealand, has been gifted to the city of Wellington by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations. 

The gift symbolises the lasting friendship between India and New Zealand and pays homage to a modern day apostle of peace.   That it will join a number of others throughout the world is a testament to the truth of Gandhi's teachings and the inspiration he continues to give to oppressed people everywhere.  His teachings of peace have a particular resonance in this country as they were similar to those followed by Te Whiti o Rongomai at Parihaka in the 1870s.

While I was born and raised in New Zealand, as someone of Indian heritage, I regard it as a matter of great honour to be invited to assist in this unveiling.  I believe this statue recognises the contribution made by Indians to New Zealand, and by New Zealanders to India.

People of Indian descent have given much to our nation.  A combination of enterprise and a strong work ethic, applied across a wide variety of disciplines, has added value to New Zealand's economy and society.  The 2006 Census revealed that Indian migrants are one of the fastest growing ethnic groups and more than 104,000 Indians now call New Zealand home.

The efforts of New Zealanders of Indian descent in fostering positive inter-community relations means New Zealand has a solid foundation upon which to foster and strengthen its business and cultural relations with India. 

In conclusion, I trust then that this statue—and the teachings it represents—will be a symbol of peace in our Capital for many years to come.

I will close in Maori by issuing greetings and wishing you good health and fortitude in your endeavours—No reira, tena koutou, tena koutou, kia ora, kia kaha, tena koutou katoa.