In a momentous occasion for the Indian diaspora in Canada, the tallest statue of Lord Ram in North America was unveiled on Sunday, August 4, 2025, at the Hindu Heritage Centre in Mississauga, Ontario. Soaring to an impressive height of 51 feet (excluding the pedestal and umbrella), this fiberglass altar now stands as a beacon of cultural pride and spiritual devotion in the Greater Toronto Area.
Thousands of devotees gathered at the event, joined by notable political figures including Minister of Women and Gender Equality Rechie Valdez, Treasury Board President Shafqat Ali, and Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu. The presence of the Leader of the Opposition in the House of Commons further underscored the event’s national significance.
Symbolism and construction
The statue’s design draws direct inspiration from the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya, India—an iconic site of great religious importance. Constructed in Delhi and meticulously assembled by skilled craftsmen in Canada, the monument features a steel superstructure engineered to withstand winds up to 200 km/h, ensuring durability for at least a century.
Acharya Surinder Sharma Shastri, founder of the Hindu Heritage Centre, described the installation as “a spiritual gift to the community” and emphasized the timeless relevance of righteousness in human lives. He affirmed that the statue not only celebrates faith but also embodies perseverance and moral clarity.
Community celebration and unity
For principal organizer Kushagr Sharma, the day was a deeply moving pinnacle of community unity. “To witness over 10,000 people come together in devotion and unity for the unveiling of Shri Ram’s 51-foot-tall murti was truly remarkable,” he said. Sharma highlighted the event as a celebration of faith and a proud moment for those valuing spiritual heritage and cultural harmony in Canada.
The statue becomes a prominent cultural landmark for new immigrants and locals alike—the towering figure of Lord Ram, with arms outstretched, commands a majestic presence over the region.
A Welcome Sight for TravelersStrategically located near Toronto Pearson International Airport, the statue holds special significance as one of the first landmarks seen by visitors arriving in Canada. As Sharma points out, planes often fly directly over the temple during landing, making the sight of Lord Ram a powerful symbol of peace and resilience greeting thousands of travelers annually. It stands as both a spiritual emblem and a reminder of the vibrancy and diversity that make Canada home to many cultures.
Social media and public reactions
The unveiling triggered widespread social media acclaim. Many netizens expressed pride and emotional connection, with one user saying, “From Ayodhya to Ontario, the name of Shri Ram echoes louder than borders. This is not just a statue, it’s a statement of faith and identity standing tall across the world.” Another praised the statue as “a symbol of resilience, peace, and presence” in a country where the Hindu community faces challenges.
Comments ranged from “Let’s make Canada great again” to “Grand and beautiful,” reflecting the broad excitement and admiration this monumental installation has inspired among Canadians and the global Hindu diaspora.
In summary, the inauguration of North America’s tallest Lord Ram statue in Mississauga marks a milestone moment blending faith, culture, and community. It symbolizes enduring values of righteousness and unity while enriching Canada’s multicultural landscape with a distinctive spiritual landmark that inspires devotion and pride for generations to come.
The Gifford fire in the central region has grown into the largest wildfire in the state so far this yearGetty Images
