Desecration of Mahatma Gandhi’s statue an attack on the ideals of pluralism say Indian Americans

Indian American Muslim Council (http://www.iamc.com) an advocacy group dedicated to safeguarding India’s pluralist and tolerant ethos today strongly condemned the vandalization and destruction of Mahatma Gandhi’s statue in the city of Davis in California.

The heinous act has hurt the sentiments, not just of the Indian American community, but of millions of people in the United States who continue to be inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s struggle for peace, pluralism and justice.

On the occasion of his death anniversary, IAMC has also drawn attention to the fact that the same hateful and divisive ideologies that claimed the Mahatma’s life continue to plague the world, albeit in different forms.

“Gandhiji was assassinated, not just by Nathuram Godse (a member of RSS), but by the Hindu nationalist movement that continues to be characterized by its deep animus towards minorities and towards India’s cherished tradition of tolerance and pluralism,” said Mr. Rasheed Ahmed, Executive Director of IAMC.

“The destruction of Mahatma Gandhi’s statue in California is an outcome of the relentless assaults on the peace icon’s legacy including the glorification of his murderer by the RSS and it’s affiliates, such as the BJP, the ruling party of the current Indian administration” added Mr. Ahmed.