Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister for Science & Technology, and Shri Prahlad Singh Patel, Minister of State for Culture (Independent Charge) inaugurated the 360^o video-immersive experience in circular dome and Digital Exhibits on Mahatma Gandhi installed at Gandhi Darshan, Rajghat, in New Delhi today. This was part of two-year long commemoration of the 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. Secretary, DST, Prof Ashustosh Sharma; Secretary Culture, Shri Raghvendra Singh; Director Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti, Shri Dipanker Gyan and other senior officers were present on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Harsh Vardhan said that Gandhiji’s persona was such that it continues to inspire the entire humanity even today. Stating that Gandhian philosophy touches all aspects of life, he said, “Mahatma Gandhi  always stressed upon sustainable development. He highlighted the efforts of Science & Technology Ministry for developing digital tools to spread the values of Gandhiji. He called upon youth to imbibe Gandhiji’s teachings to create a better and just society”.

Shri Prahlad Singh Patel, in his address, said that Gandhiji’s thinking was a perfect amalgamation of cultural thinking and scientific temper. He said that the Mahatma’s teachings are much more relevant today, especially for rural development.

Professor Ashutosh Sharma, Secretary, Department of Science & Technology, said that the DST felt that Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) are very powerful technology tools that could be used to disseminate the message of Gandhiji to the youth of India and therefore proposed setting up of a 360° video-immersive experience based on the life of Mahatma Gandhi in a circular dome at Gandhi Darshan as part of conclusion of the Commemoration.  

Following Four films on life of Mahatma Gandhi (both Hindi and English versions) were combined and a complete film was produced.

1. Mohan to Mahatma,
2. The Last Phase,
3. Freedom from Fear, and
4. Gandhi Forever

      Content from Gandhi archives such as photos, videos, audio interviews were processed into digital formats and used wherever possible. The 360^o dome project has been implemented by Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi.

After completion of testing, calibration and fine-tuning for public viewing, the films have been integrated with the Dome installed at Gandhi Darshan, Rajghat.

In addition to the dome experience, DST through Vigyan Prasar, an Autonomous Institute under the Department, took up the task of setting up of Digital Exhibits on Mahatma Gandhi. These are displayed at 17 locations throughout the country - 15 museums under National Council of Science Museums (NCSM) and 2 at Gandhi Darshan and Gandhi Smriti, New Delhi. These exhibits present the life and thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi through various digital means with funding from Ministry of Culture.   

The content used for the digital and virtual display/ exhibits has been created under the supervision of GSDS under Ministry of Culture.  The following types of display have been used for digital and virtual exhibition:

a)           Smart Interface for Multiuser Engagement (2 units)

b)           Smart Surface (4 units)

c)           Virtual Holographic Display (2 units)

d)           Transparent display  (2 units)

The themes on display are:

(i)           Mahatma Gandhi’s Vision, his life & Transformation to becoming ‘Mahatma’;

(ii)          The Freedom Movement led by Gandhi, chronicles of his travels, Satyagraha and his thoughts;

(iii)         Associates of Gandhi, people who inspired Gandhi and those following his footsteps;

(iv)         Contemporary Relevance of Gandhi, his influence in modern world;

(v)          The Final Journey, Tributes to Gandhi and

(vi)         Series of ‘Vaishnav jan’ videos by Ministry of External Affairs celebrating 150 years of Mahatma.

The digital and virtual display/exhibits at Gandhi Darshan are  ready for public viewing.

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NB/KGS