Campaign to set up Mahtama memorial in US

NEW YORK: A multi-faith delegation has approached authorities for establishing a Mahatma Gandhi memorial near the State Capitol complex in the US' Nevada state.

Michael E. Fischer, Director of Cultural Affairs, assured the group which had assembled under the aegis of Gandhi Monument Council that he will explore the issue.

"This is a worthy project as Gandhi is an inspiration to the world," Fisher said.

The clergy delegation was led by Rajan Zed, prominent Hindu leader, and included Reverend Gene Savoy Jr., Bishop of International Community of Christ and Reverend Alan Dorway, Associate Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Carson City.

In a memorandum given to Fischer, the Council requested State'd help in terms of land, funding, design, planning and promotion for the memorial.

The purpose of this monument is to pass on the cherished values of Gandhi to the coming generations of Nevadans and others, the delegation said, adding that during the last few months, the Council received overwhelming support for this idea.

About 41 clergy and religious leaders of the state have already signed a petition supporting the initiative.

The Council plans to make representations to the mayors of Las Vegas and Reno in the near future to erect one life-size statue of Mahatma Gandhi in their respective cities at a suitable place, Zed said.