Mahatma Gandhi is a global legend, who is known throughout the world
for his teachings of peace and tolerance. No matter what religion
someone practices, the respect for Mahatma Gandhi and the general
message he tried to deliver to mankind is honored till today. Many
places that he visited became famous sites, monuments and museums, such
as the Gandhi Ashram in India, where his message can still be heard. He traveled the world, and each destination has paid tribute to him in
some way, as did the Gandhi Ashram Trust of Bangladesh.
In
1947, Mahatma Gandhi visited Noakhali, as a developmental and
philanthropic foundation had been working with the local communities
here in regard to rural development since 1946. This brought about the
establishment of the Gandhi Ashram Trust that uses the Gandhian
philosophy to bring upliftment, peace, and better living conditions for
the rural communities. The trust was only officially founded in 1975,
after Bangladesh gained its independence in the year 1971. Functions
are held by the trust to raise funds for the development of rural
areas. The Ashram was donated by Gandhi, as he intended it to be a
shelter for women, but has grown into a complete NGO that now works with
more than a hundred villages. Trust secretary, Jharna Dhara Chowdhury,
dreamt of a museum for many years, which finally came to pass in 2000.
The Gandhi Ashram Museum is also sponsored by the trust, as Gandhi’s
barefooted tour of more than sixty villages in the Noakhali region was
an inspiration for all. The museum
was opened not only to honor this humbling visit but to continue his
message of non-violence and peace. This message was the centre of all
Mahatma Gandhi’s preaching. The museum is located in three rooms within
the Ashram.
The museum is extremely personal, taking an in-depth look into the
life of Mahatma Gandhi through more than a hundred and twenty
photographs, letters, newspaper articles and documents. Gautam Pal was
commissioned to sculpt the bust of Mahatma Gandhi that is now the
centerpiece of the museum, as this icon’s world, right up until his
tragic assassination, comes to life throughout the building. The museum
is also home to the clothing he wore while visiting Noakhali, as well as
some of his ashes after his cremation. Mahatma Gandhi was an advocate
for freedom and peace, a role model to many and a leader that inspired,
and continues to inspire today.