In India, ‘charka’ is not just a wheel to spin yards of fabric. Father of our Nation Mahatma Gandhi taught us how it can also be a powerful tool for self-sufficiency, a means to convey a ideology and philosophy. Offering a befitting tribute to the spinning wheel, the ‘charka’ museum at Gandhi Bhavan here is getting a facelift.
In a short time, visitors will get to see a diverse collection of ‘charkas’, and if city-zens are lucky, there will be a chance to see the original ‘charka’ used by Gandhiji.
Officials are also planning to arrange a new space for exclusively exhibiting the ‘charkas’.
They are trying to bring either the real models of the ‘charkas’ used by Gandhiji and his disciples from Sabarmati Ashram in Gujarat or get their replicas. Some models will be obtained from the Gandhi Museum in Madurai also.
Efforts are on to bring the rare models of ‘charkas’ in the possession of individuals gifted to them by their ancestors or freedom fighters. In addition, ‘charkas’ from more than 20 production centres of the Gandhi Smarak Nidhi across the state will also be brought. A ‘charka’ with 24 spindles might be an attraction.
There are also plans to bring and show films based on ‘charka.’
“The ‘charkas’ to be brought to the museum are not entirely meant to remain as showpieces. The younger generation should learn and discuss it. We will arrange qualified persons to explain and demonstrate the working of ‘charkas’ to the visitors,” said N Radhakrishnan, working chairman of Kerala Gandhi Smarak Nidhi.
The present ‘charka’ museum was opened around two years ago. The Gandhi Museum and the gallery of national leaders will also undergo a major renovation, such that new photographs from the National Gandhi Museum, New Delhi of equal size will be brought.
All these renovations are as part of the 121-day state-wide ‘Yuvasakthi’ campaign started on Gandhi Jayanthi day this year and will conclude by next Martyr’s Day.
