The Gandhi Study Centre which was started in 2009 at Akkamahadevi Women’s University here is offering an opportunity to people to read some of the rare books on the life and struggle of the father of the nation.
Started with a donation of ₹1.8 lakh and hundreds of books by the late V. N. Torgal, a Gandhian of Vijayapura, the centre got recognition by the UGC and financial aid in 2011 under the 11th Five Year Plan.
“The centre now has over 600 books, majority of them donated by Mr. Torgal. These include Towards Freedom, Mahatma, Apostle of non-violence, Let us kill Gandhi, and others. We also have photographs and pamphlets of the freedom movement and the contribution of the Mahatma in that,” said P.G. Tadasad, the director of the Centre.
He however regretted that despite the Centre starting its functioning in 2011, no certificate course on the life of Gandhi has been commenced yet.
The Centre did not receive any funds under the 12th Five Year Plan from the UGC and there still was no clarity on how the UGC plans to allocate funds to the university. “In the absence of any permission or funds for starting any certificate course which normally takes six months, we are unable to commence any course on the subject,” Prof. Tadasad said.
He however added that the university would make an effort to see that a certificate course is started in the coming days for those interested.
Meanwhile, the Centre is offering students and the public an opportunity to visit the centre to study and learn more about Gandhi. “We have decided to throw open the library for people and students to read. However, the books will not be given to take home as they are very rare. Anyone interested can study the material at the centre,” he said.
