Gandhi the holy person, a sage was lovingly respected, by his native India and by the world at large. The icon depicts the Holy Man mirroring the Political Giant. Floating on the independent flag of India, Gandhi is the humble spinner of yarn, the bold protest walker and the peaceful man of prayer.
Gandhi was determined to equally represent the many religious sects and the multiple castes found in the complex country of India. He struggled for Indian independence from British rule while confronting India’s deeply ingrained prejudices as he preached truth, non-violence, peaceful protest, and welfare for all. The symbols for these religions float around the images of Gandhi; Gandhi the spinner/protestor is flanked by the symbols of Islam and Hindu, Gandhi the Holy Man is flanked by the symbols of Jainism and Sikhism.
The symbols above Gandhi’s head are modern symbols for chastity and fasting. The corner symbols represent a peaceful heart in balance.
