A newly-constructed Gandhi Museum, at Sector-16 Gandhi Samarak Bhawan, was dedicated to the public on Tuesday to mark the celebrations of the birth anniversary of Mahatama Gandhi.

Punjab Governor and UT Administrator VP Singh Badnore, addressing the people, said that the Gandhi Museum showcasing the life and principles of Mahatma Gandhi is developed in a very unique way.

He said that the collection of stamps of 160 countries of the world, commemorating Gandhi ji on different occasions, is also displayed in a very nice manner in the Museum.

“Bapu was an icon of peace and pride of the entire world. He had influenced world leaders such as Martin Luther King Junior, Nelson Mandela and many others who followed Gandhi ji’s principles and became the icons of equality and peace in their own countries,” he said.

Referring to the sudden change in Gandhi ji's soft stand for the British, he said that Gandhiji never visited Punjab before 1919 Amritsar massacre in which thousands of innocent people gathered for a peaceful protest to condemn the arrest and deportation of two national leaders Dr Satya Pal and Saifudin Kichlu were killed in an indiscriminate firing which was ordered by General Dyer.

“This whole incident had left an indelible mark on Gandhi ji’s mind that he changed his stand for the British ruling over India and reinforced his resolve to get India free from the British Raj,” he said.

Badnore appreciated the dedication and commitment of the Gandhi Samarak Bhawan chairman and staff in highlighting the works and life of Gandhi ji at Gandhi Samarak Bhawan.

He also said that the Chandigarh Administration could work out the modalities of the extension of the Museum, in keeping with the laid down rules for such extensions. He also announced a financial grant of Rs five lakh for the Gandhi Samarak Bhawan from out of his discretionary funds.