Uttarakhand News: Mahatma Gandhi had a deep attachment to Mussoorie in Uttarakhand, where he inspired non-violence and freedom struggle in many important moments. Mahatma Gandhi first came to Mussoorie in 1929. When he reached Mussoorie on 15 October after attending a program in Haridwar. After this, on October 16, he attended a program in Dehradun and reached Mussoorie on 18 October. 

During this visit, he addressed the European municipal councillors of Mussoorie and emphasised the principles of non-violence. Gandhi stayed at Birla House in the Happy Valley area of ​​Mussoorie till 24 October and held meetings with several national leaders during this period.

Mahatma Gandhi had a special attachment to Mussoorie
According to historian Gopal Bhardwaj, Gandhiji's visit to Mussoorie was not only important from a political point of view, but he also felt connected to the natural beauty here. The spectacular view of the Himalayas visible from Mussoorie impressed Gandhiji a lot, which he also mentioned in the 'Mussoorie and Doon Guide Book'. During Gandhiji's stay in Mussoorie, he inspired the local people to participate in the freedom struggle and called for adopting the principles of non-violence.

In 1946, Mahatma Gandhi visited Mussoorie for the second time. This time he reached Mussoorie on 28 May and addressed a large public meeting at Silverton Ground in Kuldi. In this meeting, he explained the importance of non-violence to the people and gave the message of moving forward with patience and self-confidence in the fight for freedom. Gandhiji said that the path to freedom is difficult, but if we follow the principles of non-violence and Satyagraha, we will succeed.

Gandhi stayed at Birla House in Mussoorie
Gopal Bhardwaj tells that when Gandhiji stayed at Birla House in Mussoorie in 1946, he sent a rickshaw to call his father Rishiraj Bhardwaj there. The local people respected Mahatma Gandhi and during his stay in Mussoorie, they presented Gandhiji with a silver stick and a rickshaw. Mahatma Gandhi auctioned these gifts and sold them for Rs 800. He donated the money received to Khadi Village Industry, which shows his simplicity and spirit of service.

Memories of Mahatma Gandhi are still alive in Mussoorie. A statue of him is installed at the city's Library Chowk, which is one of the most prominent and busiest places in the city. However, the problem of stray animals also remains a challenge at this square. There is a gathering of stray animals here throughout the day, causing a lot of inconvenience to tourists. Tourists coming to Mussoorie come to enjoy the beautiful valleys of Doon Valley from Library Chowk, but they have to face difficulties due to stray animals.

Mahatma Gandhi's visit to Mussoorie, whether it was in 1929 or 1946, is still remembered as an important event for the local people and historians. He not only praised the natural beauty of Mussoorie, but also gave the message of non-violence and Satyagraha to the people here, which still inspires his life and thoughts.