— Photo: Arunangsu Roy Chowdhury
THE FATHER AND THE NATION: `Hydari Mansion' at Beliaghata inKolkata is where Mahatma Gandhi spent the ?rst day of India'sIndependence in 1947 by fasting, spinning and in prayer. Thedeeply disturbed leader postponed his visit to Noakhali and stayedback in riot-affected Calcutta to restore peace. Gandhi moved tothe house on August 12 from Sodepur Ashram and started fastingon September 1 when violence erupted in many parts of the city.He broke his fast only after assurances from leaders of allcommunities on September 4. The belongings he used duringhis stay are kept in a museum here, along with several picturestaken at the time. The mansion is being maintained by the WestBengal government and the Purba Kolkata Gandhi SmarakSamiti.
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