Rajghat is the place where Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation and the greatest son of Modern India, was cremated on January 30, 1948. Gandhiji was shot dead by Nathu Ram Godse who mistook Gandhi to be responsible for all the ills of the country.
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Rajghat is situated on the right bank of the river Jamuna and covers a vast area. The ‘Samadhi’ of Gandhiji is in the centre. The place has now become a place of pilgrimage and is visited by people from all over the world. Gandhiji was born on October 2, 1869. His centenary4 was celebrated in 1969. Gandhi-darshan mela was organized last year on a grand scale. I therefore, decided to visit the place with some of my friends on Sunday, the 31st October. It was also decided that they would all assemble at my house and then proceed to Rajghat together.
My Mends reached my place at 6 A.M. After a hurried breakfast we all set out for Rajghat at 8 A.M. Within half an hour we were at Rajghat. Rajghat is indeed, a picturesque place. The tall shady trees, the green turf and walks to the right and left with fountains in the middle added to the solemnity of the whole scene.
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We went in by the gate at the left and walked up the pathway till we reached the ‘Samadhi’. The fountains were playing and water was gushing out making a sweet sound. There were scores of people already. In spite of the rush there was an atmosphere of perfect calm and quiet. The ‘Samadhi’ of Gandhiji is on a raised platform. It is flanked by red sand-stone walls with a space for entrance and exit. The whole place is constructed on a novel design. Though unique in its simplicity, the whole structure fills the onlookers with a sense of reverence.
We took off our shoes near the ‘Samadhi’ and washed our hands. Then we went round bowing our heads in reverence and placed wreaths of flowers on it. The last words of the Mahatma, ‘Hey Ram’, were inscribed on the platform in bold letters. We now came out, roamed about for some time and then rested for a while on the green velvety grass We were told that the trees we saw here and there had all been planted by the distinguished foreign visitors.
After this we went to the museum. Here are kept the articles which Gandhiji used in his life-time. His watch, his spoon, his wooden sandals and many other things were on display there. Close by is the library containing literature on Gandhiji. There is not a foreign dignitary to India but visits Rajghat to pay his soul homage to this great soul. The people, all the world over, hold Gandhiji in high esteem.