Mahatma Gandhi, fondly known as the Father of the Nation in India, has numerous memorials and sites dedicated to his life and teachings, not just in India but around the world. On the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, which marks his birth anniversary on October 2, visiting these memorials can be a meaningful way to pay homage to his legacy.
Here’s a list of must-visit Mahatma Gandhi memorials around the world:
Gandhi Smriti, New Delhi, India: Formerly known as Birla House, this is where Gandhi spent the last 144 days of his life and was assassinated. It’s now a museum dedicated to him.
Sabarmati Ashram, Ahmedabad, India: One of the primary residences of Mahatma Gandhi, the ashram served as a base for many of his historic movements. The ashram complex has a museum showcasing Gandhi’s life and teachings.
Rajghat, New Delhi, India: Gandhi’s final resting place, where he was cremated. It is an open-air memorial marked by a black marble platform.
Mani Bhavan, Mumbai, India: The place where Gandhi stayed during his visits to Mumbai between 1917 and 1934. It is now a museum displaying artifacts and photographs from his life.
Gandhi Memorial Museum, Madurai, India: Situated in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, this museum provides detailed accounts of Gandhi’s life and the Indian freedom struggle.
Gandhi Statue, London, UK: Located in Parliament Square, this statue of Mahatma Gandhi is a symbol of his impact on the global stage.
Mahatma Gandhi District, Houston, USA: Often referred to as “Little India,” this district in Houston has a prominent statue of Gandhi and serves as a hub for the Indian diaspora.
Gandhi Memorial in Geneva, Switzerland: This statue, located in Ariana Park, celebrates Gandhi’s principles of peace and non-violence.
Gandhi’s Guest House, Phoenix Settlement, South Africa: Gandhi lived in South Africa for 21 years, which played a significant role in shaping his philosophies. The Phoenix Settlement near Durban is a community he founded, and it remains a testament to his influence in South Africa.
Gandhi Square, Johannesburg, South Africa: The square has a prominent statue of Mahatma Gandhi showcasing his time as a young lawyer in South Africa.
Gandhi Monument, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa: Marks the place where Gandhi was thrown off a train for refusing to leave the “whites-only” compartment, a significant incident that shaped his activism.
Gandhi Memorial Center, Washington D.C., USA: This center is dedicated to promoting the educational and cultural values inspired by Gandhi.
These are just a few of the many places around the world that honor Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy. While visiting these sites, it’s an opportunity to reflect on his teachings of non-violence, truth, and harmony and see how they remain relevant today.
