Mahatma Gandhi bust unveiled at Nebraska State Capitol

A bust of Mahatma Gandhi was unveiled at the Nebraska State Capitol Friday.

The Consulate General of India in Seattle gave the Gandhi bust as a gift to Nebraska on behalf of India.

Friday's gift marked the consulate's first Gandhi bust in a U.S. State Capitol. In October, the consulate unveiled a Gandhi bust at the base of the Space Needle in Seattle.

Prakesh Gupta, the Consul General of India, said he hopes the bust will serve to remind people of Gandhi’s philosophy of nonviolence and truth.

"Let us today affirm our commitment to the Gandhian way, a commitment that is reflected in demonstrable actions and results," he said.

Gupta first visited Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen in May, and said he requested the governor find a location to host a Gandhi bust. Nearly seven months later, the gift became a reality.

"We are here at this iconic location in the state capitol, in the Office of the Governor of Nebraska, having fulfilled this wish," he said. "This could be the fastest turnaround time we would have hoped for anywhere in the United States."

The bust will be located in the governor’s hearing room, which frequently hosts press conferences.

Pillen said people are welcome to view the addition any time.

“As long as I'm governor, he will be in the press room and in a very prominent place where you're welcome to come visit," Pillen said.

Pillen said Gandhi’s presence has "emanated across Nebraska" through the state’s values of love, life and peace.

“There's no better fitting place because of Nebraska being the best people in the world, that the statue of Mahatma Gandhi is first placed in the capital of the state of Nebraska,” he said.

Pillen also signed an official proclamation that Dec. 6 will be a Day of Remembrance for Mahatma Gandhi across the state.