Winnipeg, MB - Today, Mayor Sam Katz, Councillor Devi Sharma (Old Kildonan) and the President of the Mahatma Gandhi Centre of Canada, Dr. K. Dakshinamurti, announced that a portion of York Avenue leading to the Canadian Museum for Human Rights will be known as Mahatma Gandhi Way.
“Through this honourary street designation, the City of Winnipeg is able to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi’s lifetime commitment to peace and non-violent social justice,” said Mayor Katz. “It’s fitting that Mahatma Gandhi Way will lead visitors to the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, a national education centre devoted to promoting respect for others and encouraging reflection and dialogue.”
Signs for Mahatma Gandhi Way will appear as blue “sign-toppers” installed above signs for York Avenue. The honourary designation will run along York Avenue from Main Street to Waterfront.
“Mahatma Gandhi’s words and deeds continue to inspire people around the world,” said Councillor Sharma. “The honourary street name will add to the spirit of reflection and contemplation prompted by the nearby Canadian Museum for Human Rights, the Peace Meeting Site at the Forks and the statue of Gandhiji donated by the Government of India.”
The statue of Mahatma Gandhi was donated to the CMHR by the Government of India at the request of Winnipeg cardiologist Dr. Naranjan Dhalla. It was installed in its permanent location adjacent to the museum in 2010.
“Speaking on behalf of the Indian community, I take special pride in knowing that there will be a street named to recognize a great man who is internationally known as a symbol of human rights and non-violence,” said Dr. Dhalla. “Many large cities in North America have streets named for Mahatma Gandhi and I would like to commend the Mayor and members of Council for having the wisdom and vision to designate a Winnipeg street in his honour.”
“I am delighted the City of Winnipeg has chosen to honour the memory of one of the greatest humanists of recent times by naming a street after Mahatma Gandhi,” said Dr. Dakshinamurti, on behalf of the national education centre headquartered in Winnipeg. “Mahatma Gandhi was at the forefront of the fight for human rights. Now, Mahatma Gandhi Way will lead visitors from around the world to the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. This will inform people the world over about the value of human rights and the value of individuals, who, through much self-sacrifice, have ensured the protection of human rights of others.”
When a street receives an honourary street designation, mailing addresses do not change, although in this case, there are no businesses or residences located on this stretch of roadway.