Seattle Unveils First Life-Size Statue of Swami Vivekananda in the US
Historic Unveiling of Swami Vivekananda Statue
Dignitaries attend the unveiling ceremony of the Swami Vivekananda Monument at Westlake Square, in Seattle. (Photo:PTI)
New York, Apr 12: Seattle has made history by unveiling the first life-size statue of Swami Vivekananda in the United States, celebrating the legacy of the esteemed Indian philosopher and spiritual leader.
This bronze statue, located in the bustling Westlake Square of downtown Seattle, marks a significant milestone as it is the first installation of its kind supported by a city government in the US, according to officials.
Created by Indian sculptor Naresh Kumar Kumawat, the statue was unveiled on Saturday by Seattle's Mayor Katie Wilson alongside Prakash Gupta, the Consul General of India in Seattle.
In a social media announcement, the Consulate General of India in Seattle remarked, "From Chicago 1893 to Seattle 2026! Seattle's skyline now features a new Indian icon: Swami Vivekananda! The city becomes the first to host this monument in its downtown area."
During her speech at the event, Mayor Wilson emphasized that the monument symbolizes Seattle's commitment to inclusivity and enhances the cultural connections between India and the vibrant tech community in the Pacific Northwest.
Situated in a high-traffic area that attracts over 400,000 visitors daily, the statue is strategically placed near notable sites such as the Amazon headquarters 'Spheres', the Seattle Convention Centre, and the Seattle Centre Monorail.
The Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR) presented the statue to Seattle as a tribute to the city's diverse multicultural identity and its welcoming spirit, as stated by the Indian mission in Seattle.
The statue's unveiling coincided with the celebration of ICCR Day and is part of India's broader cultural diplomacy efforts aimed at fostering connections between the people of India and the US Pacific Northwest, according to the Consulate.
The ceremony was attended by various local dignitaries, including mayors from surrounding cities, community leaders, and members of the Indian-American community.
Swami Vivekananda is renowned for his impactful speech at the World's Parliament of Religions in Chicago in 1893, where he introduced Hindu philosophy to an international audience.