Location: 19, Laburnum road, Gamdevi
[Note: It is open from 9:30 am – 6:00 p.m., all seven days of the week: http://www.gandhi-manibhavan.org/]
“Generations to come, it may be, will scarce believe that such a one as this ever in flesh and blood walked upon this earth” – Albert Einstein
I felt a deep sense of shame as I exited Mani Bhavan. A Czechkoslovakian delegation, followed by a group of Japanese tourists and three foreign couples were visiting that day and I for one had not been aware of its existence until recently. Mani Bhavan, belonging to a friend of Gandhiji’s, was home to him during his times in Mumbai (from 1917-1934). It served as the seat of many important events which paved the way for the freedom we enjoy today. Here, he learnt the art of spinning, launched Satyagraha against the Rowlatt act, along with the Congress working committee took the decision to launch civil disobedience for Swaraj and was subsequently arrested for ‘good and sufficient reasons (as stated in the warrant. These are only a few of the chronicled events.
Laburnum road, home to Mani Bhavan, is a quiet lane overshadowed by lofty trees. One may imagine a man with a demeanour as peaceful as Gandhi, enjoying his stay here. This bungalow stands differentiated from other homes nearby. A couple of policemen stand manning the gates, a purposeful sense of maintenance presents freshly painted outside walls and two Corinthian pillars mark a regal entrance to the home. I entered expecting an entry fee or a restriction on photography or ‘do not touch’ signs everywhere. But to my surprise, none of that existed.
At the entrance stands Gandhiji’s bust, adorned with a garland of white thread spun from the charkha and next to it, in a glass display is the ‘stone of hope’ (It is part of the stone that was used in the making of the Martin Luther King Junior Memorial in Washington DC and was sent as a gift by Obama, after his visit to Mani Bhavan). Across the hallway lies a magnificent library, a treasure trove of close to 50,000 books – works by great philosophers and writers, books on India’s freedom struggle, a collection of books read by Gandhiji himself and countless more literary gems. I sat in the library and picked up a book on Gandhiji’s life, allowing me to re-familiarize myself on his accomplishments and to breathe this haloed space in.
On the first floor is an auditorium where recordings from Gandhiji’s speeches are played on request. On the second floor rests his room, preserved as far as possible in its original setting. Charkhas, books and a pair of wooden chappals lay across the floor. Adjoining this space is an exhibition showcasing the main events that marked his life, all depicted through mini figurines. In the remaining rooms of the bungalow, photographic posters, photostats of some significant letters (I have attached a photo of a letter he wrote to Hitler, which unfortunately has not been captured well but nonetheless makes for a very interesting piece of writing) and famous articles written by him adorn the walls. They are maintained in a pristine condition and are appropriately titled underneath, making it very reader friendly. Images and newspaper cuttings dating Jan 30st, 1948 made for heart-rending moments. It all left me heaving a deep sigh and wondering about a life lived and contributed thus great.
Gandhian museums have been to known to help set the culture of peace and nonviolent legacy for post Gandhian peacemakers. I felt good to know that this place of historic significance has been given due importance in its upkeep and that the next time someone asks me what there is to see in Mumbai, I may recommend a visit here proudly.
Foot Loose in India 