Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, today inaugurated a special Railway Coach dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi at Gandhi Darshan, Rajghat, Delhi.
Speaking on the occasion Shri Shekhawat said, this rail coach which is related to the event that brought change in Gandhiji’s life, has been renovated with the aim of explaining Gandhiji’s vision in a practical way. This inauguration is a landmark moment in commemorating Mahatma Gandhi’s journey and his enduring legacy. We all need to move forward with the resolution that we will take Gandhiji’s philosophy further in our lives, the minister added.
This unique exhibit, generously donated by the Ministry of Railways, features a meticulously restored railway coach from the era of Mahatma Gandhi, symbolizing his famous train journeys that were instrumental in his mission to unite the nation and advocate for justice and equality.
The railway coach at Gandhi Darshan is enriched with sculptures depicting Gandhi’s travels and interactions with fellow travellers, providing visitors with an immersive experience that brings alive Mahatma Gandhi’s rail journeys. The exhibit is set to become a focal point of the museum.
Mahatma Gandhi’s early travels across the Indian subcontinent in Third Class Railway Compartments were pivotal in shaping his understanding of India and his vision of a united nation. These journeys played a crucial role in Gandhi’s life, allowing him to connect with people from all walks of life, understand their struggles, and evolve his philosophy of truth, non-violence, and social justice, realizing the power of collective strength and the need to unite the nation in its fight against oppression. The railways thus became a vital tool in his mission to weave the fabric of a united, inclusive India.
While reflecting on how Mahatma Gandhi’s relationship with the Indian Railways profoundly shaped his thought process and his mission for social change Vice Chairman of Gandhi Darshan Vijay Goel, said that “The railways were more than just a means of transportation for Gandhi, they were a vehicle for understanding India in its entirety.