World Peace Gong
During our visit to Gandhi Smriti in New Delhi, one monument immediately drew my attention. Surrounded by the flags of nations from around the world and the symbols of many of the world’s major religions, the World Peace Gong stands as an international symbol of peace, cooperation, and mutual respect.
The World Peace Gong was created in Indonesia as part of the Indonesian Year of Peace. Its first ceremonial sounding took place in Bali on December 31, 2002, and the project soon expanded internationally with permanent gongs being installed in countries around the world as reminders of humanity’s shared desire for peace.
Every element of the gong carries symbolic meaning. At its center is the Earth, representing our common home. Surrounding it are the emblems of many of the world’s religions, while the outer ring displays the flags of nations from across the globe. Together they illustrate that, despite differences in culture, language, and belief, peace is a universal aspiration.
The World Peace Gong at Gandhi Smriti was presented to India by the World Peace Gong Committee of Indonesia through the Ministry of External Affairs. It was inaugurated on September 11, 2006, during the centenary commemoration of Mahatma Gandhi’s Satyagraha movement, making Gandhi Smriti a fitting home for this international monument.
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