WINNIPEG, Canada: Mahatma Gandhi's long walk through history has
paused in an unlikely spot — the central Canadian prairie city of
Winnipeg. A life-size statue of Mahatma, complete with his signature
walking cane, has arrived in central Canada to become the showpiece
of a new Museum for Human Rights.

The 500-kg (1,100-pound) bronze statue created by Ram Vanji Sutar,
whose sculptures of Gandhi are displayed around the world, was
presented by the Indian government and is the museum's first
exhibit. "Gandhi is first on the list of the greatest people involved
in the human rights movement in the past century," said Naranjan
Dhalla, who helped organise the exhibit. "He inspired great people
like Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King. It's important to
recognise his contribution (to society). " Gandhi promoted non-
violent, passive resistance during India's fight against colonial
subjugation. He was assassinated in 1948, less than a year after his
country gained independence from UK. His likeness was unveiled and
put on display at a downtown Winnipeg park, where it will remain
until the museum opens nearby in four years. "It is a great tribute
not only to Mahatma Gandhi, but also to the whole of Indian culture,
which preaches tolerance, truthfulness and non-violence," said Pratap
Singh, spokesman for India's high commissioner to Canada.

"He embodies all of these values, and so having a place for him in a
museum of human rights in a multicultural and multiracial society
like Canada is a great honour." India is widely viewed as a leader in
the fight for human rights but still faces accusations of sectarian
violence, child labour and caste discrimination.

Singh said his country has been trying to eradicate these problems
since establishing a human rights commission in 1993. He also charged
that most countries still struggle with human rights issues.

The museum is the brainchild of Canadian media mogul Israel Asper,
who died last year of heart failure. His daughter Gail Asper said her
father hoped the museum would become an incubator for change, using
innovative distance learning technology, interactive displays and
open forums to educate visitors about the importance of upholding the
rights of others.

The 240,000-square-foot (22,000-square-meter) museum has survived
many disputes.