New Delhi: In a momentous gesture, South Africa has donated a collection of precious artefacts and documents related to Mahatma Gandhi to India, highlighting the enduring cultural and historical ties between the two nations. This significant donation, witnessed by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, underscores Gandhi’s profound impact on global peace and freedom movements.
Gandhi’s legacy continues to inspire generations, and this donation serves as a testament to his enduring influence. The artefacts include clothing handspun by Gandhi himself, as well as key documents from the Phoenix Settlement in South Africa. This settlement, established by Gandhi in 1904, played a pivotal role in the development of his nonviolent resistance philosophy.
The Gandhi Development Trust, located in South Africa, facilitated the donation to the National Gandhi Museum in New Delhi. Kidar Ramgobin, the great-grandson of Mahatma Gandhi and son of Ela Gandhi, played a crucial role in this process. The donations were officially handed over on March 21, symbolizing a strong historical connection between Gandhi’s formative years in South Africa and his later contributions to India’s independence.
The artefacts donated include clothing items such as Kasturba Gandhi’s saree with a red border, Mahatma Gandhi’s lungi, and a piece of a garland made of cotton spun by Gandhi. Additionally, the documents encompass the deed transfer for Phoenix Settlement, financial records of the Indian Opinion newspaper, and correspondence between key figures like Manilal Gandhi and Devadas Gandhi.
Gandhi’s time in South Africa from 1893 to 1915 was transformative for his political philosophy, marked by the establishment of the Phoenix Settlement as a hub for self-sufficiency and community living. The site became central to his activism, fostering the principles of Satyagraha that later defined India’s struggle for independence.
This donation follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2016 visit to South Africa, where he retraced Gandhi’s historic train journey from Pentrich to Pietermaritzburg. Modi also visited Gandhi’s home at Phoenix Settlement, emphasizing the significance of South Africa in Gandhi’s life journey. The cultural exchange today reinforces the shared historical values between India and South Africa, preserving Gandhi’s legacy for future generations.
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