The plot for the India Garden was given to the community many years ago, it was only in 1997, through the efforts of Net IP, led by Seema Haria that the India Garden first took shape. Lacking any permanent structures, the garden subsequently ceased to exist. In 1999, FICA, under the leadership of then President Raj Pillai undertook the task of building a permanent Garden by mobilizing community support. Then board member (and subsequently FICA president) Vijaya Emani championed the effort.
The India Cultural Garden Committee was set up in 2002 by the Federation of India Community Associations of Northeast Ohio (FICA) to take responsibility for making the dream of the India Garden a reality. The original members were Raj Pillai, Vijaya Emani, Ramesh Mirakhur, Hrishue Mahalaha, Suparna Mahalaha, Mannar Dhandapani and Guru Bhandari.
After evaluating several firms, the committee invited proposals from 3 architects. The winning design was the one submitted by architect Chester Turner, and it was further developed by landscape architect Jim McKnight. Key features of the design are a circular walkway with granite pillars carrying inscriptions, a Mahatma Gandhi Statue, a gate reminiscent of the Sanchi Stupa, and steps leading to Doan Brook, the stream which flows behind the garden (reminiscent of steps on the banks of many Indian rivers).
The groundbreaking for the garden took place on May 22, 2005. Cleveland Mayor Jane Campbell and dignitaries from the Indian community participated in the ceremony. Phase I of the garden was completed in September, and the Indian flag has been flying at the site ever since.
The Mahatma Gandhi statue was installed on October 1, 2006. The 10 ft. bronze statue, sculpted by world-famous sculptor Gautam Pal of Kolkata sits atop a 7 ft granite pedestal. The dedication of the statue coincided with the celebration of One world Day, the annual celebration of Cleveland’s ethnic diversity. Ambassador Ronen Sen of India, Congressman Dennis Kucinich, Rev. Dr. Otis Moss, Jr., and Cleveland City Councilwoman Sabra Pierce Scott unveiled the statue. The symbolism of a Gandhi statue beside a boulevard honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is inescapable.
The Heritage Pillars, dedicated on May 26, 2007, marked another milestone in the development of the garden. Visitors to the garden can get a glimpse of India’s ancient culture, history and legacy from the quotations and a narrative engraved on six granite pillars, The pillars ring the perimeter of the circular walkway. The themes, Universal Brotherhood, Legacy, Artistic Traditions, Leadership, Modern India and Connections tell a compelling story. Prof. Rajmohan Gandhi, the grandson of the Mahatma, planted a tree at the India Garden on September 6, 2008.
On March 31, 2013, Ambassador Nirupama Rao dedicated inscriptions in stone at the entrance of the garden that say “Welcome” in 15 Indian languages as well as English.
In 2022, light and sprinkle systems were installed in the garden.
In 2023, new landscape designs to install beds, perineal plant, benches and redeveloping central circle are on the horizon. International Yoga Day and Children’s Day were celebrated in the garden. The year is marked by a historic “Saree Walk” parade organized by “Cleveland Moms” group to celebrate India’s Independence Day at One World Day event.
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