We were also told the reason why he chose salt as a powerful weapon against British oppression — salt is a natural thing. Gandhiji said that no one should not be asked to pay tax for natural things like wind, air, water, fire, sky, as they all are available in nature. So he broke the salt law by manufacturing salt from sea water by boiling it.

As we entered the hall we were shown an animation movie which showcased how he was thrown out by the British from a train in South Africa.

Gandhiji used to pray everyday but on January 30, 1948, Gandhiji got late for the sabha, so he took a shortcut. Nathram Godse took advantage of this and fired three bullets in his body. I am very thankful to all my teachers and The Indian Express who gave me the opportunity of having such a scintillating experience.
- POOJA AGGARWAL, X-C

Housing The Mahatma’s Message
Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti (GSDS), an autonomous body, was formed in September 1984 by the merger of Gandhi Darshan at Rajghat and Gandhi Smriti, at 5, Tees January Marg. Gandhi Smriti, housed in Old Birla House on 5, Tees January Marg, is the place where the Mahatma was shot dead by Naturam Godse on January 30, 1948. The Mahatma had resided in Birla House from September 9, 1947. As a result, the house has memorabilia that defined the last 144 days of his life. The Old Birla House, acquired by the government in 1971, was converted into a national memorial for the Father of the Nation, and was opened to the public on August 15, 1973. The preserves include the room where Mahatma Gandhi lived and the prayer ground where he held a mass congregation every evening. The building and the landscape have been preserved as they were in the days of yore.

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