The Gandhi Smriti or Birla house was the residence of Mahatma Gandhi for the last 144 days of his life. It was also in the premises of this building that Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated on 30 January 1948. It was originally the house of the Indian business tycoon, the Birlas. It now houses the Eternal Gandhi Multimedia Museum inaugurated in 2005.

The Eternal Gandhi Multimedia Museum, one of the world’s first digital multimedia museums, is an endeavor to demystify Mahatma and show how Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, the man, metamorphosed into the Mahatama.

Located at the site where Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated the museum gives glimpses of his life right from his birth to his death and the values for which he stood through out his life. It is an attempt to inculcate the values of Mahatma in today’s generation. At the Eternal Gandhi Multimedia Museum, technology fuses with art to make the life and teachings of M.K.Gandhi transparent and easily understood to all ages and backgrounds. Using language and imagery that crosses boundaries with the wonder of new discovery, this comprehensive exhibition stretches beyond cognitive frontiers.

The entire walk in the museum is a captivating experience where various aspects of Gandhi’s life are shown through interactive multimedia. On entering the museum one can see a breathtaking animation movie of how Mahatma was assassinated. As soon as one climbs upstairs one is greeted by an amazing “Vaishno Janto prayer” which Mahatma used to sing during his prayers.

There are various sections all given different names like a prison room where Gandhi’s life in prison is shown. A striking ashram built of cow dung and mud is prepared to demonstrate the ashram life of Gandhi. The concept of unity is beautifully shown through a pillar. After joining hands around the pillar the lights lit up showing unity and as soon as the chain is broken the lights extinguish. A model of an engine is present which highlights Gandhi’s travel through third class compartment all across India. One can actually travel in a train and enjoy the journey which Mahatma undertook after coming back from South Africa. A beautiful room called as Children’s room where the entire walls are painted by children showing their understanding of Mahatma. There is spinning wheel room, salt room, unity corridor all showing different teachings and concepts of Gandhi’s life.

The whole place is a wonder in itself and one can spend an entire day to comprehend and acquaint oneself with the values and beliefs of Gandhiji. A must see for younger generation, the exhibition is explained by well informed guides dressed in khadi (hand spun and hand woven cloth).

In an effort to further propagate the teachings of the Mahatma a mobile version of the Eternal Gandhi Multimedia Exhibition has also been created and this mobile version travels to the farthest regions of our country and the globe.

Eternal Gandhi Multimedia Museum

5, Tees January Marg, New Delhi – 11, Tel: 9911561700

Website: www.eternalgandhi.com

Timings: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Monday & Second Saturday Closed)