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The Feature on Gandhi Bhawan has been Contributed by Dr. Manohar Lal Sharma |
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The Gandhi Bhawan on our campus has acquired a special status. The building of Gandhi Bhawan is one of the most artistic and functional and also the pride of the University Campus. Its architecture is marvelous which is a three winged structure jutting out in three directions and held together by only one roof. As a matter of fact, the three wings are symbolic of the three functions of Gandhi Bhawan. In one of the wings there is a library of the Department of Gandhian Studies which has a reading area, stack for books, seats for the readers and research scholars and two more rooms one for the office and another for the Director of the Gandhi Bhawan, other two wings contain a very beautiful Lecture Hall and a Committee/Seminar room respectively.
The Bhawan stands in a pool of water that separates it from other buildings on the campus, emphasising its peaceful character and the spirit of detachment. Besides, its beautiful architectural design resembles a Water-lily or a Lotus with a cylindrical stalk and the petals just beginning to open. The high ideals of life which the Father of the Nation envisaged, preached and symbolized are reflected in the pointed and round forms of the roof of this structure. In fact, the pointed forms symbolise the transmission of high ideals and virtues while the round ones reflect the characteristics of humanity on this universe.
At the entrance of Gandhi Bhawan are written in bold outline the immortal and dearest to the soul of the Bapu, the words "TRUTH IS GOD" . On the facing wall on the entrance there is a beautiful mural painted by the well-known artist, Shri Satish Gujral. The work of art expresses "Awakening" or " from darkness to light" through the medium of strong form and colours which is in keeping with the interior of the building and the prevailing atmosphere.
The aims of the Gandhi Bhawan are to make available Gandhian and other relevant literature to the students and the researchers in various fields. The library of the Department of Gandhian Studies is also located in this building. A number of students and researchers have been making good use of this library. Besides, the Department has also been organizing various seminars, conferences, workshops, symposia, debates, declamation contests, quiz, national camps and other functions in this very building. The other Departments on the campus also have been utilizing the services of Gandhi Bhawan by arranging various functions and activities here. A large number of visitors from almost all the corners of the world have visited this building. The Post and Telegraph Deptt. (Govt. of India) has also released a stamp on the Gandhi Bhawan of the Panjab University. Before the shifting of the Faculty and non-teaching staff to the new building of the Department of Gandhian Studies, the Deptt. itself was located in this building and all the classes were held here. In nutshell, Gandhi Bhawan is a center of attraction for one and all.
The construction of the Gandhi Bhawan was made possible by equal financial contributions amounting to rupees one lakh by the Gandhi Smarak Nidhi and the University Grants Commission. The Punjab Government also contributed rupees one lakh.
A world famous artist Mr. Pierre Jeanneret was the architect of this building. The Gandhi Bhawan was opened on December 1, 1962, by late Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, then the President of India.
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