By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: A new monument, Bapu Tower, has been completed in the heart of Patna, Bihar, honouring the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. Located in Gardnibagh, this unique structure is the first of its kind in India, poised to become a significant landmark in Bihar’s architectural and cultural landscape. The construction cost of Bapu Tower stands at Rs 129 crore, reflecting a substantial investment in preserving and promoting Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy.
Spread over seven acres, the 120-foot-tall, six-story tower features various galleries, research centers, lounges for distinguished guests, and administrative offices, making it a comprehensive educational and cultural center. This project, a dream of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, serves as both an architectural marvel and a center for learning about Mahatma Gandhi’s life, his contributions to India’s freedom struggle, and his universal principles of peace, non-violence, and harmony.
Designed to offer an immersive historical journey, Bapu Tower consists of circular and rectangular buildings that guide visitors through an engaging narrative of Mahatma Gandhi’s life and legacy. The ground floor houses a turntable theatre show, vividly bringing Mahatma Gandhi’s biography to life.
An exhibition inside the tower, costing around Rs 45 crore, showcases sculptures and artifacts crafted in Ahmedabad, adding depth and authenticity to the visitor experience. The structure also incorporates green technology, adhering to high standards of environmental management and sustainable development.
A notable feature of Bapu Tower is its outer copper layer, weighing 42,000 kilograms, which adorns the circular building’s exterior. The copper facade undergoes a beautiful transformation into iridescent colors due to reactions with oxygen and nitrogen, enhancing the tower’s aesthetic appeal.
The construction of Bapu Tower, which began on October 2, 2018, faced several delays but is now complete. It stands as a symbol of Gandhian principles and a source of inspiration for future generations.
