The High Commission of India in Trinidad and Tobago handed over a cheque to the Gandhi Seva Sangh in a symbolic ceremony for the upkeep, beautification and renovation of Gandhi Park in Port of Spain and the Gandhi statue in Harris Promenade, San Fernando last week. The quantum of the donation was not revealed.
Ms. Sharda Ramlakhan received the cheque from the High Commissioner of India, H.E. Mr Arun Kumar Sahu, on behalf of the Gandhi Seva Sangh in the presence of His Worship Mr. Joel Martinez, Mayor of Port of Spain and His Worship Junia Regrello, the Mayor of San Fernando.
High Commissioner Sahu fondly remembered Mahatma Gandhi’s unique philosophy of truth and non-violence and its relevance in today’s world.
“Gandhiji’s philosophy had influenced global leaders, including Martin Luther King Junior, Nelson Mandela, and Barack Obama. On 2 October 2019, on Gandhiji’s birth anniversary celebration, His Worship, the Mayor of Port of Spain had drawn High Commissioner’s attention to beautifying the Gandhi Park at Phillip Street. Similarly, His Worship, the Mayor of San Fernando, had proposed to him about the renovation of the Gandhi statue area in Harris Promenade in San Fernando,” he said.
Sahu in consultation with both Mayors’ offices and Gandhi Seva Sangh, the High Commission decided to extend some financial assistance to Gandhi Seva Sangh so that necessary renovation and beautification works could be undertaken in both places collectively.
His Worship Mr. Joel Martinez, Mayor of Port of Spain, recalled Gandhiji’s motto of ‘Cleanliness is Next to Godliness’. He also thanked the High Commissioner for his efforts to get vaccines for the people of Trinidad & Tobago at the time of the pandemic, while His Worship Junia Regrello, Mayor of San Fernando, recognized the prolonged presence of Gandhiji’s statue in San Fernando among other world personalities.
He underlined the influence of Gandhiji’s ideas on the people of Trinidad and Tobago. Both Mayors thanked the High Commission and the MGICC for organizing today’s symbolic program under strict adherence to Corona protocol.
Gandhi’s statue was commissioned in San Fernando following his assassination in 1948.