Home Secretary Alan Johnson has made one of his first official appearances in his new role when he joined Hindu spiritual leader, Swami Satyamitranand at the unveiling of the statue of Mahatma Gandhi on June 26^th 2009.

Belgrave Road, Leicester East boasts only the second statue of Gandhi in the United Kingdom. The inspirational figure, who practised a philosophy of brotherhood amongst those of different religions and ethnicities, stands in over seventy countries worldwide.

Members of British Asian community travelled from all over the UK to attend the event. Leicester, a truly vibrant and multi-cultural city, has the largest Indian population in the UK outside of London. By 2012, it is predicted that it will be the first city in Europe with a majority ethnic minority population.

Spiritual leader Swami Satyamitranand arrived from India especially for the unveiling. The Lord mayor of Leicester and local MP Keith Vaz also spoke at the event.

Keith Vaz MP says:

“It is absolutely wonderful that the new Home Secretary has attended and unveiled the new statue at this exciting occasion. I am so proud that only the second statue of Mahatma Gandhi in the United Kingdom will be based in Leicester.”

“This is the most important event of the year for the British Asian community and people are travelling from all over the UK for the event. This statue is an excellent symbol of Mahatma Gandhi’s and Leicester’s commitment to diversity.”