Work on Gandhi memorial begins in Gandhinagar

Work on Gandhi memorial begins in Gandhinagar

Mahatma Mandir promises to be the second most important attraction after the Sabarmati Ashram for tourists seeking to know more about Bapu
DILIP PATEL


The construction of a memorial of Mahatma Gandhi in Gandhinagar has begun. The memorial, called Mahatma Mandir, is coming up on an area spread over 60,000 sq mt beside the Gandhinagar railway station.
It promises to be the second most important attraction after the Sabarmati Ashram for foreign tourists seeking to know more about the Father of the Nation.
A host of structures, including a concrete mound to be called ‘Salt Mountain’, will be built on the sprawling premises.
The mound-like structure will house a meditation hall and a museum. A convention centre, three halls and a bridge depicting the Dandi Bridge will also be constructed. Interestingly, the terraces of the three halls will have lush lawns.
A giant charkha, murals and sculptures depicting 365 most important events of Bapu’s life — including those related to his stay in South Africa — be among the key attractions at Mahatma Mandir.
The entire project will cost the
government Rs 132 crore.

NEXT VIBRANT SUMMIT TO BE HELD AT MAHATMA MANDIR

CERTAIN SECTIONS of the memorial, which will have many green spaces, are expected to ready by 2011. This is because the state government wants to hold the next Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit (VGGS) there. A lush green corridor, Central Vista, will lead to Mahatma Mandir from the state assembly.