Aga Khan Palace to give rooms on rent to visitors in 3 months

For the first time, those who want to imbibe the Gandhian philosophy while enjoying the the lush green surroundings at Aga Khan Palace can soon get rooms on rent on its premises.

"We are planning to rent out some rooms to visitors. Once the renovation work is over, we will work out the details," said Shobhna Ranade, Secretary, Gandhi National Memorial Society. "At present, we are thinking of renting out a room per visitor for three days at a stretch. We will charge a very nominal amount for the rooms. Within the next three months, the rooms will be ready to be rented out," Ranade added.

The move comes in the wake of popular demand from the visitors. "Tourists, especially foreign tourists, love the ambience of the place. We are always flooded with requests for a nearby accommodation as people feel closer to Gandhi here and hence want to live as close to the place as possible," said Ranade.

Renovation work is being undertaken in the Palace that had once served as a prison for Mahatma Gandhi. This time no function will be held here to celebrate the birth anniversary of Gandhiji. "Every year, we celebrate Gandhi Jayanti in the Palace but due to renovation work, this year the programme will be held at Mahratta Chamber of Commerce and Industries hall. But the all-religion morning prayer will be held here as usual. Another reason for the change of venue is that last year it rained so heavily that the pandal couldn't withstand the rain and every body got wet. This time the entry will be limited to invitees only and it will be much more comfortable for participants," she added.

The Ba-Bapu award and Vidhayak Karyakarta awards will be given out by Governor Shankaranarayanan at tomorrow's function. "We give this award to honour those men and women who have done exceptional work for the society," said Ranade.

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