Statue of Mahatma Gandhi

This memorial is a bronze sculpture in front of the Indian Embassy in Washington DC, depicting Gandhi in walking position. The statue rests on a substantial granite base from Ilkal, Karnataka, and is surrounded by information panels with his teachings engraved in several sections around the foundation.

The memorial was presented in 2000 by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations during Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's visit with President Bill Clinton. This moment marked a major cultural gesture between the two nations and established Gandhi's legacy at a prominent location in the US capital.

The statue depicts Gandhi in traditional Indian dress with a walking stick, shown in forward motion as he strides ahead. This representation captures his role as a spiritual leader who inspired peaceful resistance and continues to symbolize nonviolent change for visitors today.

The site features granite benches for visitors to sit and multiple information panels positioned around the base, making it easy to read the engravings. You can take your time exploring the inscribed message and the surroundings in front of the embassy at your own pace.

The inscription 'My life is my message' appears on the base, drawn from Gandhi's response to a journalist who asked what message he had for the world. These words capture his philosophy that his actions and way of living were themselves the strongest statement he could make.

GPS coordinates: 29.72115,-95.38835

Latest update: December 12, 2025 14:21