Bismarck, October 30, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
North Dakota has unveiled its first statue of Mahatma Gandhi, bringing state officials and members of the Indian-American community together to honour the legacy of the apostle of peace and non-violence.
The life-size monument was unveiled on October 29 at Peace Park in downtown Bismarck. The Consulate General of India in Seattle described it as the first Gandhi statue in the state and the fifth such monument within its jurisdiction.
North Dakota First Lady Kjersti Armstrong, Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring and the Indian Consul General in Seattle attended the ceremony, along with representatives of the Bismarck Parks and Recreation District and members of the Indian-American community.
The statue was installed with assistance from the Seattle consulate, technical support from the North Dakota Trade Office and contributions from the state’s Indian-American community.
The ceremony opened with the national anthems of India and the United States. School students performed musical tributes, including Gandhi’s favourite hymn, “Vaishnav Jan To”. Armstrong, Goehring and the consul general also offered floral tributes at the monument.
Goehring highlighted the growing friendship between India and North Dakota, saying Gandhi’s message continued to resonate with people in the state, India and across the world. He described the monument as a symbol of peace and non-violence.
Armstrong said it was an honour to celebrate Gandhi’s legacy, which she described as more important today than it had been for a very long time.
Located at 400 East Front Avenue, Peace Park was developed shortly after the September 11, 2001, attacks. It also houses a Peace Pole installed by the Gandhi Peace Network of North Dakota and other bronze sculptures.
The consulate said the installation reflected expanding cultural and people-to-people ties between India and North Dakota. Its engagement with the state has included official visits in 2024 and 2026, a consular camp in Fargo in February 2026 and International Day of Yoga activities.
Other Gandhi monuments within the Seattle consulate’s jurisdiction are located in Bellevue, Seattle, Lincoln in Nebraska and Missoula in Montana.
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