Mahatma Gandhi Statue, Puducherry

Mahatma Gandhi Statue, Puducherry

Mahatma Gandhi Statue is located on the beach front of Pondicherry. Built by the famous sculptor Roy Choudhary from Madras School of Art and Crafts, it is one of the major landmarks in Pondicherry. It is surrounded by eight exquisitely carved monolithic granite pillars which were brought from Gingee Fort. The statue stands 4 m (13 feet) high is the 3^rd biggest Mahatma Gandhi statue. The pillars were erected in 1866, while the statue, placed opposite the old Pier, was inaugurated on January 26, 1965. The Gandhi Statue stands beneath a canopy, and is raised above the ground by sloping concrete legs.

In the early evening the Mahatma gazes down at the numerous kids who make use of his pedestal as a playground slide. Out to sea behind the statue, there are a number of short poles protruding above the water level. These are all that remains of Pondicherry's former pier for loading/unloading ships. Also behind the statue, there is a reminder of Pondy's French past. Where Gandhi now stands used to be the Place de la république in French times.

There is a tunnel below the Gandhi statue that leads all the way to Gingee. The Government even took efforts to desilt the tunnel. But, after a few people died of suffocation while walking through it, the tunnel was closed for good in the 1960s. The square in front of the statue, referred to as Gandhi Thidal, plays host to various cultural, musical and commercial activities through the year.

The Statue is situated in the Beach Road / Goubert Avenue of Puducherry Town. The Statue is located at about 600 meters from Government Hospital Bus Stop, 3 Kms from Puducherry Main Bus Stand, 2 Kms from Puducherry Railway Station, 5 Kms from Puducherry Airport and 150 Kms from Chennai Airport. The Statue is situated on Pondicherry Bus Stand to JIPMER (Gorimedu) Bus Route. Tourists can get down at Government Hospital Bus Stop. The Statue is located at a walkable distance from this Bus Stop. Taxis and Autos are also available to reach this Statue from any part of Puducherry. Nearest Railway Station is located at Puducherry. Nearest Airport is located at Puducherry and Chennai.

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