New Delhi: What is common between Aat
village in Gujarat and Zulifur in Bihar?
These are two of the 2,000 lesser-known places associated
with Mahatma Gandhi which will soon sport a new look, thanks
to an initiative by the government to conserve the
historically-significant sites.
The Centre plans to launch 'Gandhi Heritage Sites
Mission' under which all these sites will be protected and
conserved with a view to showcasing them to the younger
generation and tourists.
The sites, most of which are in a dilapidated condition,
have been identified by a sub-group of the Gandhi Heritage
Committee constituted by the Culture Ministry, which is headed
by Gandhi's grandson Gopalkrishna Gandhi, official sources
said.
The committee has submitted a voluminous book to the
ministry detailing how and why the sites are associated with
the apostle of peace. Almost all the sites were visited by
Gandhi during the freedom struggle.
The mission's main job is to renovate the sites, paint
the buildings and put proper signages and lighting
arrangements.
The sites are located in almost all parts of the country,
including in north-eastern states, and the committee has
collected details about the places from various sources like
Gandhi Smriti and various biographies.
Bureau Report
First Published: Sunday, November 15, 2009, 11:57