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Vajpayee may unveil Gandhi statue in Washington

Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee is expected to unveil a statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Washington during his visit next month, Indian embassy officials said on Wednesday.

The statue is already in Washington while the pedestal is en route from India, they said.

The 8'8" high sculpture of Gandhi, cast in bronze, by Indian sculptor Gautam Pal, will sit on a 6' high raised granite-paved platform.

Pal has created several outstanding bronzes of Gandhi, Mother Teresa, Rabindranath Tagore and other leading personalities.

Gandhi's idol in the statue-studded US capital has long been desired by the Indian community. Several years ago, when a request for it came from the Indian community to US congressmen, some objected, saying Gandhi did not play a direct role in US history.

By last fall, however, all opposition to the installation of the statue had vanished and Congress passed the necessary legislation unanimously and with acclamation.

Eventually, those who objected realised that Gandhi was a universal figure who had a major though indirect impact even in the US.

Last year, President Bill Clinton had written to India's Ambassador Naresh Chandra, "It was a privilege for me to sign into law last October's bill authorising the Government of India to establish a memorial of Mahatma Gandhi in the District of Columbia. I am pleased to enclose a copy of the bill and I hope you will enjoy it. Best wishes."

Next: Clinton hopes US commitment to India will continue

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