I am Gandhi programme at Bapu Ghat attracts students, history-lovers

The Bapu ghat, at the convergence of rivers Musi and Esi where Gandhi’s ashes were immersed has now become a place of attraction for history-lovers and tourists. A memorial of Gandhi, a museum and a prayer hall have come up at the ghat.

The then united AP govt in collaboration with 'Visual quest India and Mahatma Gandhi Digital Museum (MGDM) in 2012- 2013 initiated a programme ‘I am Gandhi’. The programme consists of group sessions of about a minimum of 20 people in each group around the prayer hall; then at the digital room the group will be shown movies and videos; games will be organised; followed by visit to the picture wall which has a number of pictures on Father of Nation’s life and struggles and lastly, lunch would begin with items prepared without salt and this will be followed with a presentation on dandi’ march. 

All the participants, around 550, are given a book detailing the schedule and the programme itinerary. The entire day’s session of five hours costs Rs 1100 per person. The entire programme of imparting knowledge and information on Bapu’s struggles to general public was conceptualised and initiated by Rajaram Vajnik, MD, Mahatma Gandhi Digital Museum. Vajnik studied Gandhi for more than a decade now and is an ardent follower of him.

“We came up with this format of the programme for better understanding and as there was not much of interest generated for a normal entry at nominal fare for walk in museum,” said Vajnik. The MGDM is also conducting programmes in foreign countries and the last one was held in Melbourne, Australia. They also have foreign volunteers from Tasmania and other countries who help them during programmes.

The brand new, Harley Davidson, containing the signatures and expressions of 900 children from 26 countries who hold hands for 'truth, peace and ahimsa' at the ghat is catching everyone’s eyes. Around 50,000 students and over 50 schools, colleges, private and government institutions have already been a part of the session. This is an annual event organised on Gandhi Jayanti where Chief Minister, Governor and a number of MLAs and MPs come together and pay homage to the Father of the nation.

By: Nihad Amani