Mumbai gets souvenirs shop on Gandhi

Mumbai, Oct 2 (IBNS) An initiative by business house Aditya Birla Group has resulted in the formation of Eternal Gandhi, a shop dedicated to showcasing and selling collectibles exclusively inspired by Mahatma Gandhi, his messages and his teachings which was launched by Governor of Maharashtra Kateekal Sankaranarayanan and Rajashree Birla on the occasion of 'Gandhi Jayanti' at Raj Bhavan here on Sunday.

Eternal Gandhi outlet is located at the Departures Lounge at the Mumbai International Airport.

The outlet stocks around 60 custom-designed items, which include puzzle cubes, crystal cubes, wristwatches, statues of the iconic three monkeys, khadi shirts, mugs, bookmarks, magnets, notepads, calendars, ceramic statues, paperweights, key chains, pens and many more.

"Our aim is to raise awareness about Gandhiji and his teachings and hence we have given a contemporary touch to the items so that it can appeal to the young and old alike,"said Tony Valechha, founder of Peace Initiative.

"These items are very relevant at a time when strife, division and corruption prevail which help reinforce a feeling of peace, harmony and equality through the simple message of truth and non-violence," said Valechha.

"Through these items, we have got the unique opportunity to pay tribute to the Mahatma and through a contemporary design, make history an experience for all," said Bharat Parekh who is President - Eternal Gandhi and Special Projects at the Aditya Birla Group.

The present outlet, and one at Duty Free Shopping Area at the Terminal 3 of Delhi's International Airport has its roots in the Eternal Gandhi Interactive Multimedia exhibition that was a brainchild of Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chairman of Aditya Birla Group, five years ago.

Utilising the digital medium, the museum showcased historical events related to Gandhi´s life and documented the struggle for freedom.

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, India's pre-eminent political and spiritual leader, spent his entire life striving for justice, peace, non-violence, and equality among countries, races and classes.