This gift is a bronze bust of Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948). Mr. Gandhi was an Indian lawyer and political ethicist who was committed to his belief in non-violent resistance to achieve social and political change. He led nationwide nonviolent campaigns against poverty, gender-inequality, and colonialism. In 1947, India received its independence from colonial rule. 
Mr. Ram Vanji Sutar, born 1925, is an Indian sculptor. Sutar excels in bronze sculptures in a naturalistic style. Sutar has received multiple Indian national awards recognizing his artistic achievements. His Statue of Unity is the world’s tallest statue at about 522 feet tall, and his sculpture of Mahatma Gandhi has been installed in over fifty countries. 
Mr. Gandhi was an exceptional individual who was a universal symbol of peace and tolerance. In addition, his positive efforts in promoting nonviolence, education and gender equality were highly recognized across the world. The message below the bust cites Gandhi’s words: “There is no way to peace, peace is the way”. 

This bronze bust of Mahatma Gandhi was presented by the government of India to the United Nations. 
In 2007, the United Nations General Assembly in resolution A/RES/61/271 established Mr Gandhi’s birthday of 2 Oct as the International Day of Non-violence. It is an occasion to promote the message of non-violence through education and public awareness.