President Droupadi Murmu, along with North Macedonian President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, on Wednesday unveiled a bust of Mahatma Gandhi at the Museum of the City of Skopje, describing the Father of the Nation’s message of truth and non-violence as more relevant than ever in a world marked by conflict and division.
Addressing the ceremony, President Murmu said that while Mahatma Gandhi belonged to India, his ideals transcend national boundaries and continue to inspire humanity.
She said Gandhi’s life demonstrated that truth and non-violence are not signs of weakness but powerful instruments for securing justice, dignity and freedom, adding that his philosophy offers enduring lessons at a time when the world is grappling with conflicts, intolerance and growing divisions.
The President expressed hope that visitors to the museum, especially young people, would draw inspiration from Gandhi’s ideals of dialogue, compassion and peaceful coexistence, encouraging them to reject hatred, resolve differences through peaceful means and contribute to society with courage and empathy.
Describing the newly unveiled bust as a symbol of the growing friendship between India and North Macedonia, President Murmu said it reflects the shared commitment of both countries to peace, tolerance and humanity and would further strengthen cultural and people-to-people ties.
The ceremony was attended by Skopje Mayor Orce Gjorgjievski, Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya, and Members of Parliament Dinesh Sharma and Vijay Baghel, who are accompanying the President on her state visit.
Earlier in the day, President Murmu and President Siljanovska-Davkova visited the Memorial of Mother Teresa in Skopje. Mother Teresa was born in the city in 1910 and lived there until 1928 before joining the Sisters of Loreto in Ireland and later moving to India, where she devoted her life to humanitarian service. She was awarded India’s highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna, in 1980 in recognition of her exceptional contribution to humanity.
President Murmu will depart for Bucharest, Romania, on Thursday, the final destination of her three-nation state visit, which aims to deepen India’s diplomatic, economic and cultural engagement with countries in Eastern and Southeast Europe.
