Swarajya Ashram to transform into historic monument

Bhubaneswar, Jul 23 (UNI) The Orissa Government today decided to transform the Swaraja Ashram at Cuttack to a historic monument to Gandhian thoughts and ideology.

A decision in this regard was taken at a meeting, presided over by Culture Minister S N Patro here .

A team would visit Gandhi museums at Madurai, Barrackpur and Delhi before giving final shape to the monument at Cuttack.

Mahatma Gandhi had stayed in the ashram seven times during his visit to the state and chalked out the strategy for Independence movement.

Mr Patro said the government would seek a Central assistance of Rs 3.5 crore for the purpose.

The meeting also decided to prepare a 15-minute documentary on Gandhi, initiate steps to educate the people about Gandhiji through light and sound programme, translate ''Gandhi and Orissa'', a book written by Pabak Kanungo to English and Hindi to popularise Gandhian thoughts among the people.

The meeting also resolved to put up the photographs of 2000 freedom fighters of the state in the Asram by October two next and kept books worth Rs 50,000 based on Gandhian philosophy in the ashram.

An 18-member Committee, headed by the state Culture Secretary, had been formed for the smooth execution of the plan, official sources said.

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