North Dakota's First Gandhi Statue Honors Peace and Nonviolence

A new statue honoring Mahatma Gandhi now stands in Bismarck, North Dakota. Unveiled on October 29 at Peace Park in the city's downtown area, the life-size monument was celebrated by Indian Americans, local officials and state leaders who came together to reflect on Gandhi's enduring values.

The Consulate General of India in Seattle says this is the first Gandhi statue in North Dakota.

The ceremony was attended by First Lady Kersti Armstrong, Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring and the Consul General of India in Seattle. Officials from the Bismarck Parks and Recreation District and members of the state's Indian American community also took part.

The event opened with the national anthems of the United States and India. Students from North Dakota schools then performed some of Gandhi's favorite bhajans with music.

The program featured Vaishnav Jan To, according to the consulate. Images from the day show Armstrong, Goehring and the Consul General laying flowers before the statue.

In his remarks, Goehring emphasized the growing bond between India and North Dakota. He observed that Gandhi's message resonates deeply not only with India and people around the globe but also with the residents of North Dakota.

The consulate reported that the agriculture commissioner viewed the statue as a symbol of peace and nonviolence and spoke about Gandhi's ideas.

Armstrong expressed her respect for Gandhi and said that celebrating his legacy is an honor. She stated that his legacy holds even greater importance in the present day.

The statue is located at 400 East Front Avenue in Peace Park, in the heart of Bismarck. The consulate described the installation as a further step toward strengthening cultural and mutual ties between India and North Dakota.

It is the fifth Gandhi-related memorial within the Seattle Consulate's jurisdiction. The Consul General traveled to North Dakota in 2024 and 2026 as part of India's ties with the state, holding discussions with the Governor, the Mayor of Bismarck and leaders in agriculture, business and education.