In The Footsteps Of The Mahatma

This Gandhi Jayanti, pay homage to the Father of the Nation by taking a trip to some of the places that were part of his eventful life.

- Bindu Gopal Rao

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi or Mahatma Gandhi, born on October 2, 1869, at Porbandar, Gujarat, needs no introduction. The face of India’s freedom movement, the Mahatma or ‘Great Soul’, as he was known, fought for independence with a nonviolent stance that has endeared him to the citizens of the country and the world, not just during his life but even 70 years after his death (on January 30, 1948). A pioneer, whose thoughts and philosophies were far ahead of his time, his quote ‘be the change you want to see’ could not be more relevant than today. Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday is also the International Day of Nonviolence.

After studying law, he went to South Africa where he spent 21 years, and it was there that he formed his political and ethical views. His role in India’s freedom struggle began in 1915, and he was the face of the Non-Cooperation Movement and the famed Salt March. His repertoire of writings, philosophy, teachings and belongings can be seen and experienced at several museums and memorials across India. Here are some places that are an ode to the man who is known as the ‘Father of the Nation.’

Kirti Mandir, Porbandar

Where better to start than at the place where Mahatma Gandhi was born. On the first floor is the kitchen and bedroom of his parents and his study is on the next floor. There are 22 rooms in all here that house a library with over 20,000 books (some of which are written by him), a prayer hall, a spinning hall, nursery for children as well as a museum that has some rare pictures from his childhood. The temple complex has a planetarium where shows are held on a regular basis. Do check the panel of photographs that celebrates many historic events in the country.

Sabarmati Ashram, Ahmedabad