Bihar Chief Minister (CM) Samrat Choudhary on Sunday visited the newly constructed Bapu Tower in Patna. Photo: Aftab Alam Siddiqui
By A Correspondent
Patna: Bihar Chief Minister (CM) Samrat Choudhary on Sunday visited the newly constructed Bapu Tower in Gardanibagh, inspecting its galleries and facilities across all floors. He reviewed exhibitions on the ground, first, second, third, fourth and fifth levels, and sought detailed information on the arrangements in place.
Upon arrival, the Chief Minister paid floral tributes to the statue of Mahatma Gandhi installed at the premises.
During the visit, he also examined the ‘turn-table theatre’ show at the orientation hall on the ground floor. Building Construction Department Secretary Kumar Ravi briefed him on the exhibits depicting Gandhi’s life through murals, cut-outs and digital projections, as well as the five ramps constructed within the tower. He informed that entry to Bapu Tower is free for schoolchildren and group visitors.
The Samrat Choudhary reviewed key facilities including the auditorium, waiting area, lounge, exhibition galleries dedicated to promoting Gandhi’s ideals, research centre and visitor amenities. He also viewed digital displays of educational books such as ‘Bapu Ki Paati’ and ‘Mohan Se Mahatma’, developed by the Education Department for schoolchildren.
Describing the structure as a testament to Gandhi’s enduring legacy, Samrat Choudhary said the tower would serve as an important centre for learning about Gandhi’s life, philosophy and contribution to the freedom movement. “The tower is well-built, visually appealing and highly useful. It will help the younger generation and visitors from across the country better understand Gandhi’s ideals and historical contributions,” he said.
He directed officials to enhance greenery in and around the complex, and to include Bapu Tower in school educational tours along with Bihar Museum, Patna Museum and Science City Patna. He also asked the Building Construction Department to coordinate with the Tourism and Art and Culture Departments to increase footfall at the site.
The Chief Minister watched a film based on Gandhi’s life, ideals and Bihar’s historical contributions, and released a magazine titled ‘Satyagraha – Bapu Tower Publication’, directing officials to digitise it for wider public access.
Officials said the G+6 structure comprises two sections — a rectangular block and a conical tower. The rectangular building houses three galleries, an auditorium, temporary exhibition space, offices, a waiting hall, museum shop and cafeteria. The galleries chronicle Gandhi’s early life, his time in London and South Africa, his leadership in India’s freedom struggle, and programmes held during the Champaran centenary.
The 102-foot conical tower features five interconnected ramps showcasing key events from Gandhi’s life, including the Champaran Satyagraha, the Quit India Movement, the Gandhi-Jinnah talks, the Shimla Conference, the Noakhali visit, and his role during communal unrest. The outer façade bears a large artistic depiction of Gandhi.
An orientation hall with a seating capacity of 60 has also been constructed, equipped with a rotating-screen theatre system to present an introductory film on the tower.
Senior officials, including Secretary Kumar Ravi, senior administrative and police officers, and the Director of Bapu Tower, were present during the visit.
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