To mark the celebrations of the birth anniversary of Mahatama Gandhi, the Governor of Punjab and Administrator, UT, Chandigarh, V.P. Singh Badnore today dedicated the newly constructed Gandhi Museum at Gandhi Samarak Bhawan Chandigarh to the Public.Addressing the people at a function in Gandhi Samarak Bhawan Chandigarh, Mr. Badnore said the Gandhi Museum showcasing the life and principles of Mahatma Gandhi is developed in a very unique way. He said the collection of stamps of 160 countries of the World commemorating Gandhi Ji on different occasions is also displayed in a very nice manner in the Gandhi Museum. He said Bapu was an icon of peace and the pride of the entire world. He had influenced World leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela and many others who followed Gandhi ji's principles and became the icons of equality and peace in their own countries.Referring to the sudden change in Gandhi ji's soft stand for the British, he said Gandhiji never visited Punjab before the 1919 Amritsar massacre in which thousands of innocent people gathered for a peaceful protest to condemn the arrest and deportation of two national leaders Dr. Satya Pal and Saifudin Kichlu were killed in an indiscriminate firing which was ordered by General Dyer. This whole incident had left an indelible mark on the mind of Gandhiji that he changed his stand for the British ruling over India and reinforced his resolve to get India free from the British Raj. Mr. Badnore appreciated the dedication and the commitment of the Chairman and the staff of the Gandhi Samarak Bhawan in highlighting the works and life of Gandhi Ji at the Gandhi Samarak Bhawan.He also said the Chandigarh Administration could work out the modalities of the extension of the Museum, in keeping with the laid down rules for such extensions. He also announced a financial grant of Rs.5 lakh for the Gandhi Samarak Bhawan from out of his discretionary funds.Prominent amongst others who were present on the occasion included the Mayor of Chandigarh Mr. Devesh Moudgil, former MP Mr. Satya Pal Jain, Chairman of the Gandhi Samarak Bhawan Mr. K.K Sharda, Director Mr. Devraj Tayagi , Mr. JM Balamurugan, Secretary to the Governor and Mr.Rakesh Popli, Director Public Relations UT Chandigarh besides freedom fighters, Senior Citizens, Academicians, Army and Police officers, Research Scholars, School Students, authors, writers and other prominent persons Chandigarh.Awards were also given to the persons for the outstanding contribution in their respective fields.