Dear Editor,

THE New York-based Guyana Democracy Project (GDP) has issued a statement strongly condemning the destruction of a statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Little Guyana, Richmond Hill, Queens in front of the Indo-Caribbean Tulsi Mandir on 111th Street, at the corner of Liberty Avenue.

This is the latest in a series of attacks on Gandhi statue in the US. Last February a bronze six foot statue of Gandhi was destroyed at Union Park, Manhattan. Other statues were destroyed in Washington DC and California as well as in several countries in Africa.

Gandhi is considered as an apostle of peace worldwide. The attack took place in Little Guyana, the heart of the Indo-Guyanese community in New York. The act has hurt the sentiments of Indians and non-Indians, all of who have condemned it.  It has ignited condemnation from politicians and community leaders. It has also resulted in trauma among some Guyanese who express concern that such an act can happen in their peaceful community and to such a towering figure. They worry whether violence can also rain on them.

The Little Guyana-based Gandhi statue was broken and tossed to the ground on the evening of August 3 by three unknown assailants who are yet to be apprehended. The New York mainstream media carried reports of the attacks. The statue of Gandhi, which was donated to the mandir, was installed some years ago. It will cost over US$3,000 to be replaced.

Gandhi fought injustice through non-violence although violence was rained on him by Europeans in South Africa and British India. He was also considered as the foremost fighter for independence for colonies. His struggle led to independence not just for India but colonies around the globe in Asia, Africa, the Pacific, Indian Ocean, and the Caribbean.

The GDP notes that “Gandhi was an iconic figure globally revered for just and noble causes. He was a champion of peaceful protests. No statue or memorial should be desecrated and most certainly not one of Gandhi who fought for the values that the US represents like democracy, freedom of religion, and justice. Peaceful and non-violent protest, championed by American civil rights leaders, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., is a hallmark of American democracy. An attack on Gandhi is not just an attack on him but what he stood for (non-violence, justice, and equality) and also on India and the Indian diaspora (Indo-Caribbeans included).”

Dr Tara Singh, President of NY GDP, said, “vandalising and desecrating Gandhi’s statue are unacceptable in America, a nation that prides itself in diversity and in respecting various faiths and cultural practices. Americans are inspired by Gandhi’s message of peace and equality.  It was a malicious and despicable act that must be condemned by all.”

The Indian American community, the public, and the mandir leader, Pandit Lakhram Maraj of Canje, expressed hope that the perpetrators of this horrible and despicable act will be caught and prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Some community leaders have called on the city to replace the statue that pays homage to Gandhi-ji. The city has promised a thorough investigation and full accountability for those who committed this crime.

Yours sincerely,
Dr Vishnu Bisram