Indian-origin student seeks removal of Mahatma Gandhi statue at his US university; denied

A university in California in US has ruled out removing a statue of Mahatma Gandhi after an online petition demanded that it be removed in solidarity of Black Lives Matter movement. An Indian-origin student from California State University in Fres launched an online petition in aftermath of custodial death of African-American George Floyd in Minneapolis on May 25.

His death resulted in a nationwide protest, which at times turned violent resulting in damaging of national monuments and several statues including that of Mahatma Gandhi in Washington DC. All four individuals recognized in Fres Peace Garden Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Lur King, Cesar Chavez and Jane dams embodied spirit of peaceful and constructive activism, said University President Joseph Castro.

"This transcendent quality is what garden memorializes. It does t necessarily hour every facet of ir lives," he said in a statement.

"We applaud those who call for a clear-eyed look at history and individuals who shaped it. We also urge everyone to consider carefully overall significance of each individual's lasting contribution to a just and fair society, he said. On that basis, we believe those we hour in Fres State Peace Garden occupy an important place in history and should continue to guide us in promoting cour, social justice and tireless efforts to make world a better place," Castro said in response to petition.

online petition, launched by university student Akhor Sidhu, demanded removal of Gandhi status in solidarity of Black Lives Matter movement. However, Fres alumni launched a counter petition against removal of statue.

"As a former Fres State student thirty years ago, I was re when Peace Garden was created and busts of those who h become international symbols of civil rights, n-violent resistance and peaceful change were put in place," David Richardson said.

"At that time, I could t have fathomed that one day garden which was begun in a spirit of hope and optimism for future and respect for lessons of past would, one day, be under attack by a movement which has so far shown neir of those qualities," he said. "

"I certainly would t have believed that it would happen within my own lifetime! Yet, here we are and a new generation is trying to erase sins of previous generations in a full throated orgy of violence and destruction," Richardson said as he posted a picture of Indian-American Dr Sudarshan Kapoor.

Kapoor was instrumental in bringing Peace Garden to Fres State and has been influencing students for over fifty years, Richardson ded.