Mumbai’s Mani Bhavan awaiting Obama visit

MUMBAI - Mani Bhavan, the building where Mahatma Gandhi stayed during his visits to Mumbai, will play host to U.S. President Barack Obama during his visit to the city on November 6 and 7.

Mani Bhavan, which has now been converted into a museum and a library, has carefully preserved Gandhi’s belongings and books.

The museum has Mahatma Gandhi’s ‘charkha’ and around 50,000 books and periodicals several of them are on and by Gandhi, and other belongings.

According to the Mani Bhavan Gandhi Museum Executive Secretary, Meghshyam Ajgaonkar, they would welcome Obama.

“He (Barack Obama) is a follower of Gandhian philosophy. We know that he believes in truth, love and non-violence. This is why he has chosen Gandhi’s residence as the first spot on his visit to India,” said Ajgaonkar.

Obama will also lay a wreath on Gandhi’s memorial in New Delhi during his visit.

According to media reports, both Indian and U.S. security agencies have scrutinised Mani Bhavan and inspected the security arrangements. By Anand(ANI)