"On October 2, a person was not born in Porbandar but an era was born... I firmly believe that Mahatma Gandhi is as relevant today as he was during his time”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was accorded a red-carpet welcome here on Sunday as he kicked off his first bilateral visit to Australia, unveiling a bronze statue of Mahatma Gandhi with the message that he was as relevant now as he had been during his time.

Mr. Modi, the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Australia in 28 years after Rajiv Gandhi, exhorted the global community to take a cue from Gandhiji’s teachings of non-violence and love in meeting challenges such as terrorism and global warming.

“I firmly believe that Mahatma Gandhi is as relevant today as he was during his time,” said Mr. Modi shortly after the con

The 2.5-metre-tall bronze of Gandhiji, sculpted by Delhi-based Ram Suttar, is installed at Roma Street Parkland here in Australia’s southeastern State of Queensland.

“On October 2, 1869, it was not just a person who was born in Porbandar … but an era was born, said Mr. Modi to thunderous applause from the Indian diaspora. The Governor of Queensland Paul de Jersey and Brisbane Mayor Graham Quirk were present.

“The world is grappling with two major challenges — terrorism and global warming — and these problems were causing anxiety,” he said.

The Prime Minister said that at the G20 Summit, leaders spent a considerable time discussing these issues. “If we look at Gandhiji’s life and his teachings, then we will be able to find solutions to the problems that the world faces today,” he said.

Later, the Prime Minister was feted at a civic reception hosted in his honour by Queensland Premier Campbell Newman at the City hall. He got a boisterous welcome. A multi-cultural fiesta was organised in honour of Mr. Modi at the City H