CM Nitish Kumar Inspects Bapu Tower Ahead of October 2 Inauguration

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar inspected the nearly completed Bapu Tower in Gardanibagh, Patna, on Monday, ahead of its scheduled inauguration on October 2, Gandhi Jayanti. The Chief Minister visited multiple floors of the tower, including the ground, third, and fifth floors, to review the construction progress and facilities that will be available to visitors. He emphasized that Bapu Tower, once inaugurated, will become a valuable resource for the new generation to learn about Mahatma Gandhi's life, ideals, and contribution to India's independence, particularly his connection to Bihar.

During the inspection, Nitish Kumar paid special attention to the turn table theatre show in the orientation hall on the ground floor. This feature will allow visitors to sit and watch a detailed presentation on Gandhi's life, his philosophy, and Bihar's role in the freedom movement. "Bapu Tower will serve as an educational and inspirational hub for the public, especially the younger generation," the Chief Minister said.

The idea for Bapu Tower was conceived during the Champaran Satyagraha Centenary Celebrations in 2017. Nitish Kumar had announced the construction of the tower as part of his vision to spread Gandhi’s teachings and preserve his historical legacy. The foundation stone for the project was laid on October 2, 2018, to commemorate Gandhi's 150th birth anniversary. Situated on seven acres of land, Bapu Tower features a combination of a rectangular and conical structure, standing at 102 feet tall.

The rectangular section of the tower houses three exhibit galleries, an auditorium, a temporary exhibition space, and visitor amenities, while the conical section contains five ramps displaying important moments from Gandhi's life through murals, cutouts, and screen projections. These ramps will offer visitors an immersive experience of Gandhi’s journey and ideas.

During his inspection, the Chief Minister was briefed by Building Construction Department Secretary Kumar Ravi, who provided detailed updates on the various aspects of the project. The orientation hall, gallery spaces, research center, and visitor facilities have been designed to offer a comprehensive understanding of Gandhi’s life. Secretary Ravi explained that Bapu Tower would also include an auditorium, waiting rooms, and a lounge for guests.

The Chief Minister directed officials to widen the roads surrounding Bapu Tower to ensure smooth access for visitors. He also instructed the planting of trees along the roadsides to create a greener and more organized environment around the complex. "Bapu Tower has been beautifully built, and it will become a landmark worth visiting," Kumar remarked, appreciating the overall design and effort put into the project.

Kumar noted that the tower will provide a detailed view of Gandhi’s historical role in India’s freedom movement, particularly his connection to Bihar, including his leadership of the Champaran Satyagraha, which marked a crucial turning point in India’s fight for independence. "This space will not only be a museum but also a place of learning and inspiration for those who want to understand Gandhi’s contributions to the nation," Kumar said.

The exhibition galleries will depict various stages of Gandhi’s life, his philosophy of non-violence, and his strong ties with Bihar. These displays are designed to educate visitors about the freedom struggle and how Gandhi’s ideals remain relevant today.

The Chief Minister also inspected the external lighting and decoration of several other government buildings in Patna, including Technology Bhawan, Visvesvaraya Bhawan, and Vikas Bhawan, praising the progress made in enhancing the city’s infrastructure.

Nitish Kumar was accompanied by Principal Secretary Deepak Kumar, Secretary Anupam Kumar, Special Officer Gopal Singh, and other senior officials and engineers from the Building Construction Department during the inspection.

As the countdown to the October 2 inauguration begins, Bapu Tower is poised to become a significant cultural and educational destination in Bihar, reinforcing the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi and Bihar’s pivotal role in India's independence movement.