Jan 1,2015
Long time on the bus, then Aga Khan Palace, where Gandhi, his wife and secretary were imprisoned in the 1940's. Both Kasturba and the secretary died in captivity. The rulers were hoping Gandhi would die while there. They had the sandalwood ready for cremation. It was used on the others.
I felt the spirits on the grounds, near the rooms in which they lived. Visiting this palace (now a museum dedicated to Kasturba-his wife) with Arun and Tushar, gave it even more signifance. Arun lives in the USA mostly now and had not been there for two years. He was very over and shared graciously with us. Tushar lives in Mumbai and is frequently in the news with his projects that follow the Gandhi principles, so occasionally he is stopped for a photo. Everywhere we go, if they know our trip guides, I witness the ultimate respect and sometimes prostrations that come Arun's way.
We visited Marketplace SHARE. This non profit led by an American woman from Chicago has grown into an organization that has organized 14 independent co-ops in which 480 artists dye fabrics, stick clothing, appliqué and other decorations and sell their wares to the Use market in fair trade shops. After a tour of the sewing rooms, we showed, had a fantastic lunch, then two artists decorated our hands with henna ($2.00).
Mani Bavan was our next stop. Gandhi lived here off and on for over 17 years. It was from here he launched and completed the Free India campaign. we saw his room, and the place where books are restored and sheltered. The created dioramas for several stages of his life.
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