Gandhi: A postcard from memory


Gandhi: A postcard from memory

On Jan 30, remembering the day in 1948 when Gandhi left his body, I recalled my tour of  Saifee Villa, the Gandhi Memorial Museum in Dandi, Gujarat on my last visit to India. This is where Gandhi helped break the salt law in 1930, marking the beginning of the civil disobedience movement against the British Raj.

The place attracts tourists of all kinds ranging from children and locals to foreigners.

Much has been done around the world and within India to maintain artifacts and documents from that period but some major parts of history have been swept under the carpet with minimal public and private support. During my visit, I learnt that Saifee Villa too suffers from a paucity of resources and depends on materials from patrons.

I told the tour guide that as a student I had visited Raj Ghat, the site where Gandhi was cremated, now a huge Delhi landmark. On my return to Canada, I had shared the archives with students at my school.

The guide asked me if I would help Saifee Villa to get copies of the archives I had. He told me how deeply dependent this heritage museum is on patrons donating anything of relevance to the place. This includes not just historical items but also educational tools, books or videos.

So through Aman ki Asha and on this anniversary week, I appeal to one and all — if you have relevant materials to share, please send them to:

Saifee Villa,

Gandhi Memorial Museum,

Dandi, Gujarat 394540, India

They will be more than happy to receive them. Gandhi’s life deserves to be celebrated for its values and accomplishments. We need to remember and value any memories or materials we have about him, and share them as much as possible.

— Swati Sharan
Canada




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