Munnabhai's dream run at turnstile to spur heritage project

Ahmedabad, Sep 26 (UNI) The mega success of the Bollywood's latest blockbuster ''Lage Raho Munna Bhai'', presenting Gandhian principles to suit modern tastes, will certainly give a fillip to the Gujarat government's project envisaging conversion of the existing 220 km stretch from Ahmedabad to Dandi into a national heritage highway.

''Following the success of the movie, we have been receiving curious youngsters wanting to know more about the Mahatma and his land,'' Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Ltd. Chairman Kamlesh Patel said.

The Gujarat government in collaboration with the Centre is embarking on a 365 crore tourism project to develop the heritage highway.

According to Mr Patel, the objective behind this project is to popularise Gandhian philosophy and evoke memories of the Mahatma's salt law movement, dating back to the year 1930.

The Centre is expected to give the go-ahead to the state government's project, slated to be completed in a year's time.

However, the final decision rests with the Centre, the chairman said, adding ''Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is closely following the developments.'' As per the plan, the entire journey, on foot, will have 15 stop-overs where Gandhiji had stopped to rest during the Dandi march. The tourists will retire for the night in these places.

To get the visitors to experience the true taste of Bapu's simple-living, the destinations will offer bare minimum facilities.

However, it will be equipped with a library, a yoga or meditation centre, a research centre to name a few, Tourism Corporation Managing Director P D Vaghela informed.

''Earlier, the destination was frequented by foreigners and students for the research but now we want to promote it extensively within and outside the country, '' Mr Vaghela said.

A minimum of four people will be required for conducting the tour.

The project envisages to promote places of historical prominence like Kirti Mandir where the Mahatma was born, his school and other destinations that has played a significant part in his life.

A number of leading travel agencies and tour operators like Cox and Kings and Raj Travels have shown interest in the project, Mr Patel said.

Besides, the state tourism is also in the process of giving concrete shape to a 1.5 crore light and sound show project in Gandhi Ashram, Ahmedabad, he said.

During the 26 days of the walk in 1930, the father of the nation along with this 78 marchers stopped at villages, stayed and interacted with the people. They urged the government officials to quit their jobs and join the Civil Disobedience Movement.

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