Gandhi Jayanti: Gandhi statues are revered in most cities even today

Not many of us remember the Mahatma anymore. And there aren't many takers for his teachings either. For most of us he remains a statue that is cleaned up on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanthi that is often celebrated as if by decree. TOI takes a look at the venerable Gandhi statues in our cities.

Thiruvananthapuram city sure is dusty and may look depressing at times. However, the vision of the sedate Gandhi standing tall overlooking the Gandhi Park in East Fort is quite inspiring. The Mahatma looks as if he is striding ahead clutching a book close to his chest. In his right palm is a thin stick that seems to steady his whole frame.

The corporation maintains this statue. "We maintain it with our fund. No specific amount is allocated for it," said Shajida Nazar, chairperson, development standing committee. The biggest Gandhi statue in the city is in front of the assembly building. A massive Mahatma sits cross-legged here. It is washed, cleaned and painted at the beginning of every assembly session by the assembly housekeeping staff. The smallest Gandhi figure in the city, at Gandhi Bhavan in Thycaud, is the most privileged of all. Unlike its larger counterparts, this smiling bust is brushed and garlanded every day.

In Kozhikode, remembering Gandhiji is not a once-in-a-year affair, at least as far as maintenance of the statues is concerned. All the three main statues of the Mahatma in the city wear a spanking clean look the year round. The statue in the district Jail is washed at regular intervals and the inmates clean the premises daily. V Jayakumar, deputy jailor, said the statue, built by a former inmate, was commissioned in 2008.

The golden statue at Malabar Christian College, unveiled in September 2011, was installed to commemorate Gandhiji's visit to the college on January 13, 1934. The bust of the Mahatma in front of the corporation building is also well maintained.

It's a bit different in Kochi, however. The corporation says it does not have funds to maintain the statue at Gandhi Square. "The corporation generally entrusts maintenance task with individuals or organizations that evince interest in such activities," said K J Sohan, chairman, town planning committee. The civic body's callousness notwithstanding, the Square is well maintained, thanks to the efforts of ardent Gandhian, Thilakan Kavanad, who was honoured at a function in Maharaja's College on the International Day for Elders.