PRESIDENT OF INDIA UNVEILS BUST OF MAHATMA GANDHI AT THE MUSEUM OF THE CITY OF SKOPJE, NORTH MACEDONIA

Why in news

The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, along with President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova of North Macedonia, unveiled a bust of Mahatma Gandhi at the Museum of the City of Skopje.

Exam relevance

GS2 · International Relations, History & Culture · Prelims · Mains

Key facts

1. The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, unveiled a bust of Mahatma Gandhi.
2. The unveiling took place at the Museum of the City of Skopje, North Macedonia.
3. President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova of North Macedonia was also present at the occasion.
4. The bust symbolizes the friendship between India and North Macedonia and their common commitment to peace, tolerance, and humanity.
5. The President highlighted that Mahatma Gandhi's message belongs to all humanity and his life demonstrated truth and non-violence as powerful instruments for justice, dignity, and freedom.

Prelims pointers

• Location of Mahatma Gandhi's bust unveiling: Museum of the City of Skopje, North Macedonia.
• Indian President present: Smt Droupadi Murmu.
• President of North Macedonia present: Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova.
• Key principles of Mahatma Gandhi emphasized: truth, non-violence, dialogue, compassion, peaceful coexistence.

Mains practice question

In an era marked by global conflicts and divisions, how does the unveiling of Mahatma Gandhi's bust in North Macedonia underscore the enduring relevance of his philosophy and India's soft power diplomacy? Discuss.

Static linkage

Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy of truth, non-violence, dialogue, compassion, and peaceful coexistence. India's cultural diplomacy and soft power projection through its historical figures and values.

Significance

The event reinforces India's soft power and cultural diplomacy on the global stage by promoting universal values embodied by Mahatma Gandhi. It highlights the enduring relevance of Gandhi's principles of truth, non-violence, dialogue, and peaceful coexistence in addressing contemporary global challenges like conflict, intolerance, and division. The unveiling also strengthens bilateral ties and friendship between India and North Macedonia, fostering mutual understanding and shared commitment to peace and humanity.