By Neena Bhandari
Sydney, 03.10.2008 (IANS): A melodious rendition of ‘Raghupati Raghav Rajaram’ set the mood for the International Day of non-violence celebrations in Canberra’s Glebe Park, where Mahatma Gandhi’s statue stands tall.
The 1.68 metre high bronze statue of the Father of the Nation, made by renowned Delhi-based sculptor Ram Sutar, in the heart of Canberra is symbolic of the many core values of tolerance and respect for diversity that the two nations share.
Rich floral tributes were paid Thursday to the Mahatma by over a hundred Australians and members of the Indian community gathered at the Park, where workers come to eat their lunches during the week and families gather at weekends for picnics and play. Curious onlookers stopped to hear messages of peace and non-violence.