As a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on the Golden Jubilee of west Indian state Gujarat on May 1, the
state government has planned to construct a memorial in Gandhinagar which will be built using water and sand brought from all over the world.
"We have planned to build a grand Mahatma Mandir in the state capital, foundation stone for which will be laid on Golden Jubilee day of Gujarat on May 1," Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi said.
The state government has asked Gujarati diaspora living in different states as well as the world over to bring water of rivers and sand from the places they live for building the
Mahatma Mandir.
"People will continue bringing water and sand for next one month from May 1. This water and sand will be used in the construction of the memorial dedicated to Gandhiji," he said.
State capital Gandhinagar, though named after Mahatma, so far lacked a memorial of the father of nation, but with the building of this grand temple the void will be filled.
"Mahatma Mandir shall also be developed as an iconic tourist destination that will exhibit the life of Mahatma Gandhi," a government official told PTI.
The phase one of construction will house an international level convention centre, three big exhibition halls and small halls having conferencing facility, the official said, adding that the construction of the convention centre will attract an investment of Rs 150 crore and have a capacity of 5,000 delegates.
"In the second phase of this project we have proposed to develop a modern bridge connecting the phase one to it, and an iconic salt mound like concrete structure housing a museum, library and research centre on Mahatma Gandhi," he said.
A sculpture garden having intricately carved stone murals exhibiting the life of Mahatma Gandhi will be the star attraction of the second phase of development. There will be a
heavy sloping green cover all over, the official said.
The second phase will also have a gigantic wind mill, the official said.
Gujarat came into existence in 1960 after Mumbai state was divided on the basis of language.
State has drawn up grand plans to celebrate its Golden Jubilee and various programmes will be organised throughout the year.