One of the most beautiful tourist attractions of Pune is Aga Khan Palace. It was constructed in the year 1892 in Kalyani Nagar at Yerwada area near Mula River in Pune. Sir Sultan Muhhamed Shah Aga Khan III got the palace constructed with an aim to provide employment to the people of nearby areas who are hit by famine. In the year 1969 the Aga Khan Palace was being donated to the government of India by the Prince Shah Karim al-Hussayni Aga Khan IV who was the successor and grandson of Sir Sultan Muhhamed Shah Aga Khan III in the memory of Mahatma Gandhi and his philosophy. The palace is also known as the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial because it was closely associated with Mahatma Gandhi.Mahatma Gandhi with his wife Kasturba and Secretary Mahadev Bhai Desai were kept under house arrest in this palace from august 9, 1942 to May 6, 1944. While on house arrest in the palace his wife Kasturba Gandhi and his long time aide Mahadev Desai both breathed their last due to dysentery that is why the samadhis (memorials) of Kasturba Gandhi and Mahadev Desai were built here by Charles Correa. A museum is being maintained in the complex of the palace that has photographs of Mahatma Gandhi and important events in his life along with his personal belongings like utensils used by him, his mala, clothes, chappals (slippers) and a letter written by him on the death of his secretary. Most importantly a small amount of the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi is also kept here.The museum, samadhis and the palace are managed by the Gandhi Memorial Society who regularly organise exhibitions on Gandhi, his career and his life. This palace is the head quarter of the Gandhi National Memorial Society. The society is trying for years to make it a living memorial of Baa (Kasturba) and Bapu (Gandhiji). To fulfil this aim they organise a number of public functions in the palace like:Mahashivratri – Kasturba’s death anniversary celebrated as Mother’s dayIndependence Day – 15th AugustRepublic day – 26th JanuaryBapu’s birth anniversary and Ba and Bapu awards ceremony – 2nd OctoberMartyr’s day – 30th JanuaryThe palace has been the venue for the famous movie on Gandhi named “GANDHI”. The palace is surrounded by sprawling garden. The Aga Khan Palace is the National monument for India’s freedom movement. The present activities at the place include:
- Picture gallery and museum
- Mahurika nursery school
- Kasturba Mahila Khadi Gramodyog Vidyala
- Library and documentation centre
- Skill and vocational training
- UNCHR Refugee Guidance centre
- Nashabandi Parishad work
- Friends of Gandhi museum
- ICDS training of Aganwadi workers, supervisors and CDPQS
There is shop attached to the premises where tourists can buy khadi, cotton hand loomed garments and textiles.Timings to visit the palace:9 am to 12.30 pm and 1.30 pm to 6 pmEntry fee: Rs. 5 for adult and Rs.2 for childrenPhone no. +91-20-26880250E-mail: gandhi_memorial@vsnl.netFor more information go to : www.virtualpune.com- Ruchi Mahajan.займ на карту без отказов круглосуточновзять кредит онлайн