India Cultural Garden

Address:
1190 Martin Luther King Jr Dr, Cleveland, OH 44106
Architect/Designer:
Jim McKnight, Chester Turner
Sponsoring Organization:

Federation of India Community Associations

Dedication Date:
2005

Ghandi
Mahatma Gandhi, 1869 -1948, Led non-violent movement to win freedom for India from British rule. Influenced many others, including Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
History & Design:

The most prominent feature of the Indian Garden is the statue of Mahatma Gandhi. On either side of Gandhi are six pillars that depict different aspects of Indian heritage. The descriptions are listed below.

Six Heritage Pillars
  • Universal Brotherhood – Inscriptions include ancient text stating that the whole world is one family.
  • Legacy -India’s contributions to humanity.
  • Artistic Traditions – India’s visual and performing arts traditions and major artists.
  • Leadership – Major leaders in both ancient and modern India.
  • Modern India – Status of modern India and Indian diaspora in America.
  • Connections – Historical connections between India and America.
Water feature:

The India Garden borders Doan Brook. and steps leading to Doan Brook are reminiscent of steps (known as ghats) leading to rivers—a common sight in India.

Other:

Inscriptions on the walkway at the entrance to the garden say “welcome” in 15 of India’s major languages as well as English. All heritage pillars depict a lotus flower in relief. The lotus is the national flower of India.

Plantings:

An eastern redbud was planted at the India Garden in 2008 by Prof. Rajmohan Gandhi, the grandson of the Mahatma

Additional Information:

Future work: A 24-ft tall granite gate with carvings to be erected at the entrance to the garden is still in the planning stages.

Map: