Enlarge A statue of Mohandas Gandhi is the centerpiece of newest park at Alexander and Trade streets

Posted: October 6th, 2009 James Willamor

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A statue of Mohandas Gandhi and a small park at Alexander and Trade streets were dedicated Saturday in honor of the life of the late political and social leader.

Saturday was the day after Gandhi’s 140th birthday.

The opening of the park was celebrated not just by Charlotte’s growing
Indian community, but by city and county leaders and members of
several international groups, including the Charlotte Asian Heritage
Association and the Carolinas Asian American Chamber of Commerce.

While the statue was initially unveiled a year ago, incomplete paperwork prevented it from being permanently installed.

Over the past year, the statue has been set on a foundation on the grounds of the historic Mecklenburg County Courthouse at the corner of Trade and
Alexander streets. Brick pathways have been installed around the
statue, and the area has now been named Gandhi Park.

The statue of Gandhi was donated to the city of Charlotte and
Mecklenburg County at no cost, and was a long time ambition of local
business leader Gobind “Garry” Bhojwani.

A diverse group addressed the crowd at Saturday’s dedication. Event host, Dr. Maha Gingrich, spoke of a need to raise social capital and build trust in the community.

Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County Director Charles Brown spoke of Gandhi’s influence on Dr. Martin Luther King, and said the lessons of Gandhi were “not just for those of Indian descent, but for all Americans as well.”

Garry Bhojwani spoke of a dream fulfilled by the creation of the
statue. He told of visiting the small park every Monday morning with
his young grandchildren and pausing to reflect.

Charlotte City Council member Nancy Carter and Mecklenburg County Commission Chairwoman Jennifer Roberts were both on hand to receive the official donation of the statue from Bhojwani.

A plaque on the base of the statue recounts Gandhi’s life, along with a quote from him: “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”

For more information:

Gandhi Park Charlotte


Carolinas Asian American Chamber of Commerce

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