US President Barrack Obama and his wife Michelle spent 40 minutes at the two-storied Mani Bhavan in South Mumbai, where Mahatma Gandhi stayed during his visits to the city. Mr Obama impressed the office bearers, who said that the US President was well-informed about Gandhian philosophy. Curious residents came out in large numbers to get a glimpse of the US President’s convoy, but many who had hoped that the most powerful man in the world would wave at them, were left disappointed. “I am filled with hope and inspiration, as I have the privilege to view this testament to Gandhi’s life. He is a hero not just to India, but to the world,” Mr Obama wrote in the visitor’s book at Mani Bhavan.
The US President’s wife Michelle wrote, “The visit will be the one that I will always treasure. The life and teachings of Gandhi must be shared with our children around the world.”
A trustee of Mani Bhavan, Usha Thakker, said, “Mr Obama first visited the photo gallery on the first floor and spent 10 minutes looking at the photographs. He then went to Gandhiji’s room on the second floor. Mr Obama also went to the adjoining room which is home to an exhibition depicting Gandhiji’s life through mini figures,” she said.
The United States President also bought a bust of Mahatma Gandhi. “Mr Obama bought a bust for Rs. 6,000 and gifted two of his books that will be treasured in our library,” Ms Thakker said.
Another trustee, Usha Trivedi, who has been associated with Mani Bhavan since 1958, recalled Dr Martin Luther King’s visit in 1959. “Luther King stayed at Mani Bhavan, and refused to lodge at 5-star hotels in the city. After over 50 years, I met another person who along with his wife has chosen to visit the centre despite their busy brief visit to the country. Michelle told me that she hoped that she could lead a life like Gandhiji,” Ms Trivedi said.
Moreover, the trustees presented Mr Obama with two books — Women in Indian society by Neera Desai, Mahatma a golden treasury of wisdom and a documentary by Vitthalbhai Zaveri – as a memento.
A special shamiana was put up at Mani Bhavan for the President’s visit, the area was cordoned off for vehicular traffic and barricades were put up to restrict people from coming on the road.