MISSOULA, Mont. (Diya TV) — The first bust of Mahatma Gandhi now stands at the Mike Mansfield Center at the University of Montana. State leaders, educators, and community members gathered to mark the historic moment and celebrate growing India-Montana ties.
Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte joined the Consul General of India in Seattle to unveil the bust. The ceremony highlighted Gandhi’s message of peace, nonviolence, and unity. Officials described the installation as a symbol of cultural exchange and international friendship.
Gianforte thanked the Indian Consulate for presenting the bust as a gift from the Government of India to the state of Montana. He praised Gandhi’s ideals of nonviolence and moral courage. He said these values remain vital in today’s global order.
Leaders pointed to the Mansfield Center’s mission as a natural fit for honoring Gandhi. Congress founded the center in 1983. The center promotes ethical leadership, civic responsibility, and international education. It prepares globally minded leaders who serve the public good.
Faculty and students from the University of Montana attended the ceremony. Members of the Montana World Affairs Council also joined the gathering. Speakers noted that Gandhi’s teachings align with the center’s commitment to integrity and cross-cultural dialogue.
The Gandhi bust marks the fourth such installation in the U.S. Pacific Northwest by the Indian Consulate. Earlier statues stand near the base of the Space Needle in Seattle, at the Nebraska State Capitol in Lincoln, Nebraska, and at the Bellevue Public Library in Bellevue, Washington. Organizers said these installations reflect strong and growing community partnerships.
Later that evening, students celebrated the Indian festival of Holi on campus. The festival of colors marks the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil. Organizers called it the first Holi celebration of its kind in Montana.
Students and residents gathered outdoors to throw organic Indian colors in the air. Laughter and music filled the campus grounds. Many participants experienced the tradition for the first time.
Deena Mansour, executive director at the University of Montana, welcomed the celebration. She said Holi represents renewal, unity, and joy. She praised the event for bringing diverse communities together.
After the outdoor festivities, students attended an Indian Film Festival. Organizers screened the popular Bollywood film Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara for young Montanan viewers. The event introduced students to Indian cinema and culture. Guests also enjoyed gujiya, a traditional Holi sweet filled with dried fruits and nuts.
Earlier in the day, nearly 400 students attended a briefing on Brand India during the Academic World Quest Conference hosted by the Montana World Affairs Council. Speakers introduced students to Indian coffee, including the well-known Araku variety. They also discussed India’s One District One Product, or ODOP, initiative, which promotes local industries and exports.
Organizers said the session aimed to build awareness about India’s economic growth and cultural diversity. Students learned about trade, technology, and education partnerships between India and the United States.
Officials noted that India-Montana relations have strengthened since India opened its new Consulate in Seattle. In June 2025, a 10-member delegation of Montana high school students visited India for a two-week cultural immersion program. The trip gave students firsthand exposure to Indian history, business, and daily life.
In January 2026, a 50-member delegation from Montana attended the second Invest India Business Forum in Seattle. The group included business leaders, educators, and technology experts. Participants explored opportunities for trade and collaboration.
