Skip to main content
My Life is My Message
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library
My Life is My Message
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library

My Life is My Message

Artifact SeriesHead of State Gifts
Artifact IDFO.070473.a-b
Object Type Sculpture
Artist/ Maker (1925)
Gifter
Intended Recipient (American, 1961)
Intended Recipient (American, 1964)
Date ca. 2010
Medium metal (bronze, unknown), wood, adhesive
DimensionsOverall - 3D (.a: Sculpture) H 21 in x W 14 3/4 in x D 14 in (53.3 cm x 37.5 cm x 35.6 cm )
 Overall - 3D (.a-b: Sculpture with Base) H 25 1/4 in x W 17 in x D 17 in (64.1 cm x 43.2 cm x 43.2 cm )
Physical DescriptionBronze sculpture (.a) with a wooden base (.b) that depicts Mahatma Gandhi sitting with his legs crossed, hands clasped in his lap, and his eyes closed as if in meditation. He is clad in a robe that is open at the chest.

This sculpture is a miniature recreation of the "Statue of Mahatma Gandhi" at the Parliament House of India, made by the same artist, Ram V. Sutar.
Inscriptions & MarkingsText of plaque on obverse of statue: My life is my message MAHATMA GANDHI (1869-1948) Text of plaque on obverse of base: Presented to Hon'ble Barack H. Obama, President of the United States of America by Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil, President, Republic of India 8 November 2010 Engraved on reverse: SCULPTOR RAM SUTAR Text of plaque on side of statue: SCULPTOR Ram V. Sutar NEW DELHI (INDIA) Inscribed on bottom of base: 3Historical NoteReceived during President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama's official state visit to India from November 6-9, 2010.
Custodial History / ProvenanceThe item was a gift from a foreign official to President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama during the Obama administration. It was received through the Executive Office of the President and maintained there until its transfer to the National Archives in January 2017 for deposit with the Obama Presidential Library.Additional Details
National Archives Catalog CollectionBarack Obama Artifact Collection (National Archives Identifier 63542091)
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts of State (National Archives Identifier 66540613)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Possibly
Use Restriction NoteCopyright or other proprietary rights may be held by individuals or entities other than the Barack Obama Presidential Library. The Barack Obama Presidential Library does not warrant that the use of materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62
In Collection(s)
Related Event(s)
    Not on view
    Related Links