Exploring the Legacy of Mahatma Gandhi at India's National Gandhi Museum

During my familiarisation trip to India, at the invitation of the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, we visited the Gandhi Memorial and the Gandhi National Museum. This site is dedicated to the life and history of Mahatma Gandhi, the esteemed human rights advocate.

The museum illustrates the story of this revered leader's struggle, highlighting his use of advocacy, philosophy, and spirituality in his efforts.

Historical records indicate that the National Gandhi Museum, initially established in Mumbai shortly after Gandhi's assassination in 1948 at his residence, is now located in New Delhi.

A significant act of civil disobedience, pivotal in advancing his people's cause, is depicted: the Salt March of 1930. This protest against British rule in India involved a 240-mile journey from the Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi, a coastal town. There, Gandhi and his followers openly defied British salt laws by producing salt from seawater. This action sparked widespread civil disobedience and resistance against the British Raj.

It is documented that Gandhi instructed his followers to abstain from retaliatory violence against the British, regardless of provocation.

Gandhi's arrest during the march necessitated his wife's leadership, marking an increased involvement of women in political participation and advancing their civil rights.

The Gandhi Museum houses artifacts such as trains, a vehicle, his living quarters, photographs documenting his activism and final moments, records of local and international mourning, and the vehicle used to transport him to his final resting place.

This is an exceptional memorial honoring a figure whose work continues to have a significant contemporary impact.