Patna: A four-and-a-half-hour heritage walk through Patna’s historic landmarks gave around 30 residents, students and history enthusiasts an opportunity to explore Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy and the city’s role in the freedom movement on Sunday.Titled ‘Bapu March: Walking in the Footprints of Mahatma Gandhi’, the walk was jointly organised by Bapu Tower and Planet Patna.The route covered Rajendra Smriti Sangrahalaya, Bihar Vidyapith, Sadaqat Ashram, Gandhi Kutir at A N Sinha Institute, Gandhi Sangrahalaya and Gandhi Ghat, before concluding at Bapu Tower. Participants learnt about the historical significance of each site and its links with Gandhi and other freedom fighters through accounts and anecdotes.Welcoming the group at Bihar Vidyapith, its joint secretary Awadhesh Kumar Narayan spoke about the institution’s role in the freedom movement. He also shared lesser-known accounts related to Rajendra Smriti Sangrahalaya, Jhanda Chowk and the Maulvi Mazharul Haque Memorial Library.At Gandhi Sangrahalaya, joint secretary Asif Wasi spoke about Gandhi’s life and the institution’s work, stressing the need to organise such walks regularly to familiarise young people with his ideals.Bapu Tower director Vinay Kumar, who joined the walk, recalled his school days at Bihar Vidyapith. “Returning here today feels like reliving the fond memories of my childhood,” he said.Bapu Tower deputy director Lalit Kumar Singh said the initiative would be extended to Champaran, retracing Gandhi’s historic journey from Patna. Planet Patna director Azfar Ahmad and renowned Patna-based philatelist Pradeep Jain were also present.The organisers said such walks help keep history alive and promote Gandhi’s message of truth, non-violence and public service.
