Monrovia-The Embassy of India in Monrovia at the weekend celebrated Gandhi Jayanti, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, with the unveiling of a newly installed bust of the apostle of non-violence on the lawn of the Chancery.
The bust, located prominently to greet officials, visitors and members of the Indian community, will serve as a lasting reminder of Gandhi’s timeless message, the Embassy said.
The Embassy hopes it will inspire reflection on “peace over violence, love over hate, dialogue over confrontation, compassion over indifference and service over self-interest. “Gandhi Jayanti is observed as a national holiday in India and is also commemorated by the United Nations as the International Day of Non-Violence.
This year’s celebration brought together members of the Indian Community in Liberia, distinguished guests, and a delegation of Liberian legislators led by Hon. Ellen A. Attoh-Wreh, Chairperson of the Women Legislative Caucus of Liberia (WLCL).
Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador of India Manoj Bihari Verma welcomed Hon. Attoh-Wreh and her delegation, noting that their presence was a reflection of the close and growing partnership between India and Liberia.
The delegation had recently returned from India where they visited from August 10-15, 2026 as part of a South-South Peer Learning Mission under the IBSA Fund-supported project, “Women Legislators in Liberia: Promoting Voice, Leadership and Gender-Responsive Governance for Sustainable Development.”
The project is supported by the Governments of India, Brazil and South Africa (IBSA).Ambassador Verma highlighted the continued relevance of Mahatma Gandhi’s life and philosophy, noting that his message belongs not only to India but to all of humanity.
He recalled Gandhi’s famous Talisman, which calls upon decision-makers to consider the impact of their actions on the poorest and weakest members of society before taking any decision.
Responding, WLCL Chairperson Attoh-Wreh highlighted the continued relevance of Mahatma Gandhi’s message of peace, non-violence, service, dialogue and reconciliation to Liberia, a country that has itself emerged from conflict.
She noted the relevance of Gandhi’s principles to the work of legislators in promoting dialogue, inclusivity and peaceful resolution of differences in a vibrant democracy.
The celebration also featured cultural presentations by school children, who performed and rendered some of Mahatma Gandhi’s favorite bhajans (devotional songs), adding a vibrant dimension to the commemoration and connecting the younger generation to the Mahatma’s life and values.
The Gandhi Jayanti celebration also marked the conclusion of Seva Pakhwada, the fortnight-long service campaign observed from September 17 to October 2 in India and at Indian Missions abroad.
During the period, Embassy officials undertook a Swachhata (cleanliness) Pledge, beach cleaning and planting of coconut saplings under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” (One Tree in Mother’s Name) initiative.
As part of the spirit of seva and community service, the Embassy facilitated the gifting of medicines by three Indian pharmaceutical companies to the Group of 77 Disabled Centre in Liberia, an institution supporting persons with disabilities under the auspices of the Office of the Vice President.
The Embassy thanked M/s Abeer Pharmaceutical, M/s Bunty Pharmaceuticals of SBR Group of Companies and M/s Lucky Development Corporation/Lucky Pharmacy for their gesture of solidarity and friendship.
“The initiative reflects the contribution of Indian companies to people-to-people cooperation and the strengthening of India-Liberia relations,” the Embassy said.
The Embassy also thanked the Indian Community in Liberia for its continued contribution to the social and economic life of Liberia and to strengthening the bonds of friendship between India and Liberia
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