A 51-foot statue of Lord Ram was inaugurated at the Hindu Heritage Centre in Mississauga, marking a spiritual and cultural milestone for Canada.
Spiritual Landmark Draws Thousands to Mississauga
On Sunday, thousands of devotees gathered at the Hindu Heritage Centre in Mississauga, Ontario, to witness a historic spiritual event—the unveiling of North America’s tallest statue of Lord Ram. The 51-foot idol, not including its 7-foot pedestal, now stands as a landmark of Hindu faith and culture in Canada.
Monumental Project Honours Indo-Canadian Heritage
Crafted in Delhi using fibreglass and supported by a steel superstructure, the statue has been designed to endure extreme weather, including wind speeds up to 200 km/h. The structure reflects the culmination of a four-year project led by Indo-Canadian philanthropist Laj Prasher. Assembled locally by artisans in Canada, the statue symbolizes a fusion of traditional Indian artistry and modern engineering excellence.
Political Leaders and Diplomats Join Inauguration Ceremony
The event was attended by prominent Canadian dignitaries, including Rechie Valdez, Minister of Women and Gender Equality; Shafqat Ali, President of the Treasury Board; and Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade. Andrew Scheer, interim leader of the Conservative Party in the House of Commons, was also present, alongside Acting Consul General of India, Kapidhwaja Pratap Singh.
Minister Sidhu opened his remarks with “Jai Shri Ram,” stating, “This is something to be very proud of—not just for the Hindu community, but for all Canadians who value diversity and tradition.”
A Community’s Spiritual Offering to the Nation
Acharya Surinder Sharma Shastri, founder and head priest of the Hindu Heritage Centre, emphasized that the statue is “a spiritual gift to the community,” representing a commitment to righteousness and unity. Inspired by the inauguration of the Ram Janmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya in 2024, the Canadian initiative mirrors that divine momentum in the diaspora.
Event organiser Kushagr Sharma added, “This is not just a celebration of faith. It’s a proud moment for all Canadians who cherish cultural harmony.”
A New Icon in the Canadian Skyline
One of the statue’s most striking features is its visibility from the skies. Positioned under the flight path to Toronto Pearson International Airport, the towering idol of Lord Ram will be among the first sights visible to arriving passengers—symbolically greeting newcomers with a message of peace and dharma.
Enduring Symbol of Unity and Devotion
The grand unveiling concluded with a floral shower and chants of “Jai Shri Ram,” echoing across the temple grounds. Over 10,000 attendees witnessed the spiritual and cultural milestone. The statue now stands as a beacon of Indian heritage in North America—an enduring reminder of the values of righteousness, devotion, and unity that Lord Ram represents.
© 2025 Mapple News Wire
