Arrived in Washington DC, President SBY Unveiled Statue of Goddess Saraswati
Arrived in Washington DC, President SBY Unveiled Statue of Goddess Saraswati
After traveling for five hours from New York, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) accompanied by Madame Hj. Ani Yudhoyono directly unveiled a statue of Goddess Saraswati, in front of the embassy of Indonesia Republic for United State (US) on Thursday (25/9) at 16:30 local time or on Friday (26/9) at 03:30 Indonesian time.
In his speech, the President thanked to those involved in the construction of the statue. He explains that to understand a statue is not only from its beauty. Hindus recognize Goddess Saraswati as the symbol of love and affection, knowledge, also tenderness and culture, SBY said. President hopes, the presence of the statue would open our hearts and minds, even all leaders in the world to strengthen friendship, fraternity and cooperation.
Could end hatred and misunderstanding between us. Hopefully it keeps this spirit alive, and never give up to make better world, said President SBY. The statue of Goddess Saraswati designed by I Nyoman Sudarwa, School of Fine Arts teacher in Gianyar Bali, built since April of 2013 and finished four weeks later. The statue is 4.9 meters high and 2 meters wide, with total height is 6.35 meters. The ground floor is in circle shape with diameter of 9.2 meters.
The statue occupies an area of 30 square meters. The inscription in front of the statue contains message Let the Indestructible Force of Love and Knowledge Seize the Hearts and Minds of All Gods Children and Forever Shall Be Peace on Earth.
The unveiled of Goddess Saraswati statue was celebrated with performance of Balinese Gamelan group from Richmond University, Virginia, where 22 personals among 26 players are US students, the others are Indonesian.
Shown at the venue were Coordinator Minister for Politics,Law and Security Djoko Suyanto, Coordinator Minister for Economy Chairul Tanjung, State Secretary Sudi Silalahi, Cabinet Secretary Dipo Alam, Minister of Education and Culture Muhammad Nuh, Minister of Health Nafsiah Mboi, and Deputy of Minister of Foreign Affairs Dino Patti Djalal. (YH/BPS/TJI)(Ifp).
