Vignette 15: A gift from India

At the North Terrace Campus, located by the stairs that take students and visitors to the entrance of the Barr Smith Library, is the Garden of Contemplation—a gift from the government and the people of India. In 2012, Sculptor Gautam Pal created a 1.95 m tall bronze statue of Mahatma Gandhi, known for his influential role in civil rights and freedom. The plinth of the bust is inscribed with a quote from Gandhi: ‘Be the change you wish to see’. 

Gandhi’s messages on non-violence, truth, and social reform remain relevant, as do the strong links between South Australia and India, underlining the role of education and research in fostering collaboration between the two regions.

This gesture from the people and government of India reinforces the enduring mission of Mahatma Gandhi. It serves as a reminder of the unifying power of education to anyone who passes it.

The University of Adelaide: 150 Years of Making History.  Giving with impact.  p.29