Modi unveils bust of Mahatma Gandhi in Germany

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday unveiled a bust of Mahatma Gandhi at the city hall of Hannover, saying it was a moment of pride not only for the residents of the city but also for every individual who has faith in humanity.

Describing the Mahatma as a "yug purush (a great man)", Modi said he belonged to the whole world.

Noting the world was facing challenges of terrorism and global warming, he contended that Mahatma Gandhi's life provided answers to these issues.

"It (the unveiling of Mahatma Gandhi's bust) is not only a moment of pride for residents of Hannover, for Germany, for Indians but for every individual who has faith in humanity," Modi said.

Earlier, Modi met Steven Schostok, the mayor of the German city, as part of his engagements.

As Modi reached City Hall after his meeting with chief executives of German companies at the Maritim Grand Hotel, Schostok came out of City Hall to greet the prime minister.

In a brief ceremony inside, Schostok welcomed Modi to Hannover and thanked him for making India the partner country in this year's Hannover Messe, the world's largest industrial fair.

Speaking in German, the mayor expressed the hope that India and Germany can work together for the mutual benefit of each other.

On his part, Modi thanked Schostok for the warm welcome he was accorded and said that he was thankful that the mayor "honoured me in a building which is over 102 years old".

He also signed the Golden Book of the City Hall of Hannover.

Modi arrived in Hannover on the second leg of his three-nation tour after a successful visit to France. On Monday, he and Merkel will inaugurate the India Pavilion at the Hannover Messe.