Houston (USA): A life-size bronze statue of Mahatma Gandhi will be unveiled in Houston on Saturday (Oct 2, 2004), to mark the 135th birth anniversary of the apostle of peace.

Sculpted in India by renowned artist Ram Sutar, the statue has been gifted to the citizens of Greater Houston by the Indian Government as a gesture of goodwill and friendship.

The six-feet bronze statue will be unveiled on October 2, in the city's landmark -- Hermann Park, which is frequented by millions of tourists each year.

Houston Mayor Bill Whitwill formally accepted the statue in the presence of Indian Ambassador to United States, Ronen Sen.

The Indian community has also planned a series of functions for the 'Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Week', which is being celebrated from September 27 to October 3.

The groundwork for the installation of the statue was inaugurated by Houston's Mayor Lee P Brown and Dr Najma Heptullah, on October 14, 2003.