The city of Cuiabá in Brazil marked a historic event with the inauguration of a statue of Mahatma Gandhi recently. This significant occasion not only honoured India’s Father of the Nation, but also symbolized a deepening of cultural diplomacy between India and Brazil. The Embassy of India in Brazil unveiled the Mahatma Gandhi Family Park in Cuiabá, showcasing India’s soft power through the promotion of peace and well-being.
About the Statue
The statue, standing 1.93 meters tall and weighing approximately 550 kg, is set on a base of around two meters. It is accompanied by an identification plaque and lighting, creating a serene atmosphere for visitors. The park serves as a recreational space for yoga and meditation, reflecting Gandhi’s principles of non-violence and spiritual discipline. Additionally, the park features a gallery providing rich information about Gandhi’s life and philosophy.
Dr (Prof) Umesh Mukhi, a prominent figure in the Indian diaspora in Brazil, received the title of Honorary Citizen during the ceremony. He is only the second Indian to receive this honor in Brazil, highlighting the growing influence of the Indian community in the country. “This honour fosters a deeper connection with the region, which can be leveraged to strengthen academic, cultural, and economic ties with the central region of Brazil,” Dr Umesh Mukhi, Associate Professor of Management, FGV EAESP, Sao Paulo School of Business Administration told FinancialExpress.com.
About Cuiabá, Mato Grosso
Cuiabá, located in the central state of Mato Grosso, is a strategic city for multiple reasons.
Mato Grosso is known as Brazil’s largest agricultural-producing state and a vital player in global food security. The state’s agricultural exports are crucial, and India’s interest in Mato Grosso reflects its agricultural needs and energy transition efforts. The Indian Ambassador to Brazil, Suresh Reddy, has visited the state twice, once in 2022 and again in 2024, underscoring India’s commitment to enhancing relations with Brazil, particularly in agribusiness.
Interesting Factoid
Cuiabá is not only the capital of Mato Grosso but also the geodesic center of South America. This unique location makes the Gandhi statue potentially the only one situated at the center of an entire continent. According to Dr Mukhi, the park is expected to become a hub for diplomatic visits, fostering cultural and economic relations between India and Mato Grosso. These visits will likely strengthen bilateral ties, especially in the agribusiness sector.
Background
The inception of the Mahatma Gandhi Family Park began in 2022 during Ambassador Suresh Reddy’s first visit to Cuiabá. Dr Umesh Mukhi played a pivotal role in this project, working alongside Alex de Deus, the manager of Sustainable Development and International Relations Affairs in Cuiabá. Their collaboration with the Indian Embassy was instrumental in bringing the visionary project to life.
Alex de Deus expressed gratitude for the gesture of gifting Gandhi’s sculpture and emphasized the significance of India’s respect for Cuiabá. “The government of India brought one of its most important symbols, Mahatma Gandhi, to Cuiabá, officially recognizing the city as a partner for the ‘International Day of Yoga.’ Yoga is of great importance to the Indian people, so much so that there is even a Ministry of Yoga in India,” Alex noted. He also highlighted the respect shown by India through the presence of high-ranking officials, including Secretary (Economic Relations) in the Ministry of External Affairs, Dammu Ravi, at the inauguration.
First Ever
Earlier this year, in a first for India-Brazil relations, the week-long immersion program titled ‘A Week of Discovery: Academic, Industry & Cultural Immersion’ was organized by MDI Gurgaon for students from FGV EAESP Sao Paulo School of Business Administration. Led by Dr Umesh, the program offered Brazilian students an immersive experience in India’s diverse business landscape. This initiative provided holistic learning opportunities, covering academic, industry, and cultural aspects, and showcased India’s dynamic and multifaceted environment.
Cuiabá citizen
The ceremony concluded with Mayor Emanuel Pinheiro bestowing the title of Cuiabá citizen on Dr Umesh Mukhi. As an Indian resident in the capital and a representative of the Indian community, Dr Mukhi’s recognition underscored the strong ties between India and Brazil and the growing influence of the Indian diaspora in the region.
The inauguration of the Mahatma Gandhi Family Park in Cuiabá is a testament to the enduring legacy of Gandhi’s ideals and the strengthening of cultural diplomacy between India and Brazil. This initiative not only celebrates Gandhi’s contributions to peace and well-being but also serves as a bridge for further collaboration in areas such as agribusiness, academic exchange, and cultural understanding. As the park continues to attract visitors and diplomatic missions, it will undoubtedly play a crucial role in deepening the bonds between the two nations.
