Origins in a tragedy
Just a few months after India rose to freedom, it was January 30, 1948, when the world went into shock after the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi. While the country was left in mourning, a resolute determination to preserve the memory and teachings of Mahatma Gandhi was actioned. Under the leadership of Dr. Rajendra Prasad, a Gandhi Memorial Trust was established, setting in motion the creation of a hallowed sanctuary dedicated to the Father of the Nation. In 1958, this committee decided to establish a Gandhi Sangrahalaya in Bihar and Patna, which was selected as the ideal location.
The Gandhi Memorial Trust initiated the Sangrahalaya activities on a humble scale, initially displaying pictures portraying Mahatma Gandhi's life and endeavours in the small rooms of the old building. The inauguration of the first gallery took place on December 16, 1967, with Acharya Badrinath Verma, a trusted associate of Maulana Mazharul Haque, and Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the former Education Minister of Bihar, officiating the ceremony.
A sanctuary that evolved with time
The journey of the Gandhi Smarak Sangrahalya began with the unveiling of Gandhiji's statue by the then Governor of Bihar, R.D. Bhandare, on June 10, 1975. This solemn ceremony marked the commencement of the construction that would transform this hallowed site into a comprehensive repository of Gandhian history and philosophy.
As the institution took form, its curators set out to craft a visual biography that takes you through the life and ideology of the revered leader. Photographs, works of art, manuscripts, and citations were meticulously assembled to chronicle the Mahatma's life, highlighting the pivotal moments that defined his legacy. Today, you can step into the world of Gandhian ideology with this chronological display, offering a glimpse into his personal spaces through meticulously recreated room models.
Two auditoriums named after revered figures from Gandhi's life – the Kasturba Gandhi Hall and the Badshah Khan Hall were also added later. These spaces now serve as venues for lectures, discussions, and cultural events, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Mahatma's enduring impact.