Chennai, 13 June (H.S.) : Gokhale Hall, a century-old structure in Chennai's George Town, is a poignant reminder of the city's rich cultural heritage. Built in 1914 with resources provided by Dr. Annie Besant, it initially served as the headquarters of the Young Men's Indian Association, fostering cultural, social, and political engagement among Indian youth. The hall was named after Gopal Krishna Gokhale, a prominent leader of the Indian National Congress and mentor to Mahatma Gandhi.
The hall played host to several notable leaders during India's freedom struggle, including Jawaharlal Nehru, S Satyamurti, Morarji Desai, and K Kamaraj. Despite its historical significance, Gokhale Hall has fallen into disrepair due to years of neglect and lack of maintenance. A plan was proposed in 2022 to restore the hall and convert it into a Museum of the Freedom Struggle, but restoration work has yet to begin.
The restoration of Gokhale Hall is eagerly awaited by the public and activists, who hope to see this piece of history regain its former glory. With its rich past and potential for cultural revival, Gokhale Hall deserves to be preserved for future generations. The proposed museum will showcase India's freedom struggle through three pivotal phases, highlighting Tamil Nadu's role in the country's fight for independence.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Dr. R. B. Chaudhary
