Maharashtra Gandhi
Smarak Nidhi

On the occasion of Mahatma Gandhi’s 70th birthday. “Generations to come, it may well be, will scarcely believe that such a man as this one ever in flesh and blood walked upon this Earth.”

― Albert Einstein

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The great scientist used to admire Gandhiji for his teachings of non-violence.

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was titled as ‘Mahatma’ by the Noble writer Shri. Rabindranath Tagore.

Bapuji was titled as ‘Father of Nation’ by the great freedom fighter Shri. Subhash Chandra Bose who was known by Indian people as Netaji.

Truth and Non-violence are profound ideas and great values of Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhiji was scrupulously trying to implement his idea of non-violence in every movement against British Rules. At the time of nationwide movement of boycotting British goods in Chouri Chaura the angry protesters killed policemen. Gandhi as leader withdrew that movement and protested the violence by the people. He declared that he do not want independence through violence. This incidence sent strong message to world and later on became the basis and soul of the Indian freedom struggle. Today whole world is suffering from violence around. Under these circumstances Gandhiji’s principle of non-violence is becoming more and more relevant throughout the world. This has created urgency of teaching of Mahatma which may liberate human race fom hatred and make this planet worth of living.

Historical Background :

Mahatma Gandhi, Father of nation, was assassinated on 30th January 1948. It was tragic day, which shook the entire nation and the world.

After the assassination of Gandhiji, Indian leaders, such as Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Saradar Vallabhbhai Patel, Dr. C. Rajgopalachari, Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad, Babu Jagjivan Ram and others founded an Institute viz. Gandhi Smarak Nidhi. It was a registered Society. It was decided to cherish and propagate Gandhian thoughts and ideology among people at large by publishing his writings and teachings. Gandhi Smarak Nidhi’s activities were started in various States of India. Properties were purchased for fulfilling objectives of Gandhi Smarak Nidhi by local activists and freedom fighters. Policy of decentralization of the registered Society was adopted in the year 1959 with a purpose to protect these properties. Accordingly, independent Trusts were formed in every State having an autonomous status for every State. It was also decided to add the name of that particular State as an adjective before the name of the trust, e.g. ‘Maharashtra Gandhi Smarak Nidhi’. Shri Mamasaheb Deogirikar, a well known personality of Pune city and ardent follower of Mahatma Gandhi, became the President of ‘Maharashtra Gandhi Smarak Nidhi’ (MGSN), situated at Kothrud, Pune. On 14th May 1959 the president purchased a land of 10 acers and 5 gunthas in Kothrud. He also obtained additional 7 gunthas land as a donation from Shri Vandrekar. On 22nd 1960 founded stone of the building by the first Chief Minister of Maharashtra Shri. Yashwantrao Chavan. Shri Mamasaheb Deogirikar constructed a nice building known as ‘Gandhi Bhavan’ in the premises of MGSN. On 14th May 1961 the newly constructed building ‘Gandhi Bhavan’ inaugurated by the first Prime Minister of India Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. The Institution registered on 14th October, 1962 as a Public Charitable Trust in Pune.  The Head Office of the Institute established in Gandhi Bhavan. The branches of MGSN have been established and working in Aurangabad, Nagpur and Padali in Buldhana District of Maharashtra State.

After demise of Shri. Mamasaheb Deogirikar in 1975, Shri. Balasaheb Bharade, a former Speaker of Maharashtra Assembly, accepted responsibility as the President of MGSN. He carried forward previous activities of the Institute and expanded them by adding many new programs and activities. Shri. Balasaheb Bharade passed away in November 2006.

A renowned Gandhian and a socialist leader Dr. Kumar Saptarshi (Ex MLA) succeeded Shri. Balasaheb Bharade, as the President of MGSN. He has further developed the Institute and started many new activities in tune with the changing times and context. Various activities like Learning Home, starting Creches, special programs for Women Empowerment, establishing a movement of Shanti Dal, launching a Mini Theatre for exhibition of various films and so on. A novel activity of encouraging the youngsters to undertake Yatras or Marchs on bicycles in various parts of the world with a view to spread Gandhiji’s message of non-violence, equality and communal harmony.

Since its inception, MGSN has been continuously working to promote the Gandhian thoughts and thus, enlighten youth by organising workshops, personality development programs and interactive lectures for them on various occasions. Besides, a special week viz. Rashtrapita Mahatma Gandhi Saptah is celebrated every year from October 1st to 7th since 2010. Manifold activities and programs are organized during this week in order to create and spread awareness about the relevance of Mahatma Gandhi’s life and message. The Rastrapita Mahatma Gandhi Saptah has become an inseparable part of Pune city’s culture and social activities.