Mahatma Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, or popularly known as Mahatma Gandhi or just Gandhi, was the leader of the Indian independence. He inspired movements for civil rights not only in India but across the world.
He was such an inspiration for freedom that his wisdom continues to live on through many peoples hearts. In India, he is called the Father of the Nation. He lived a simple life and was dedicated to helping the oppressed to liberate them from British rule. This is a must-see place during a visit to India, among other amazing travel locations, for travelers who want to know more about his life and contributions.
Gandhi Smriti
The sacred museum was dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, Gandhi Smriti means Gandhi Remembrance. It also houses the Eternal Gandhi Multimedia Museum. This was where he spent his final 144 days before he was assassinated on January 1948. The house was originally built in 1928 and belonged to the Birla family, who were Indian business tycoons and friends of Gandhi. It was later acquired by the Indian government in 1971.
The national memorial was opened to the public in August 1973. The tour will take you to Gandhis room, which was well preserved over the years. Here you will be able to take a glimpse of how he lived. In his room, you can find some of his personal possessions, such as his walking stick, a pair of chappals or sandals, spectacles and a spinning wheel.
Outside is a nice garden where you will get to see the spot where he would often meditate and take his nightly walks, Martyrs Column. The ground where the column stands marks the place where he was shot.
The museum also holds a display of photos, paintings, sculptures, frescos, relics, manuscripts, documentations and rocks that had inscriptions on them that is related and pertaining to Gandhis few years of life. There is also a statue of Mahatma Gandhi with two children, a boy and a girl, holding doves at the entrance. Carved at the base of the statue was My Life is My Message, which was sculpted by the renowned artist Sri Ram Sutar.
How to Get There
Gandhi Smriti is located in 5, Tees January Lane, Old Birla House, New Delhi. Tees January Road was formerly known as Albuquerque Road. It is located near Gandhi Samadhi at Raj Ghat. You can get there either through bus, metro or train. It would take about thirty minutes up to an hour to get there through public transportation, depending where you are coming from. The fastest is coming from Karol Bagh, Central.
The Best Time to Visit
The best times to visit are on weekdays. They are open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on Tuesdays to Sundays. The museum is closed on Mondays. They are also closed on every second Saturdays of the month and on national holidays. If you are not sure if a holiday in India is valid, you can call the museum at 011-23012843 to inquire if they will be open.
