Gandhi National Memorial Society
Custodians of Gandhi's Legacy
Gandhi National Memorial Society (GNMS), established in 1980, carries forward Bapu’s vision-empowering women, preserving history, and keeping Gandhian values alive for generations to come.
Gandhi's Struggle for Independence
Became a Living Legacy
The Gandhi National Memorial Society (GNMS) serves as a guardian of Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy, nurturing his values from the historic Agakhan Palace in Pune, a place hallowed by Ba and Bapu’s final memories, and remembered as a powerful symbol of India’s struggle for independence, since it was here that Gandhi was interned in 1942 following his call for the “Quit India” Movement.
Constituted under the Central Gandhi Smarak Nidhi, GNMS is the custodian of Gandhi’s enduring vision. Established on 3rd March 1980, it was entrusted with transforming the Palace into a centre for women’s empowerment as envisioned by Gandhi. In 2003, the Agakhan Palace was declared a centrally protected monument, with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) entrusted with its conservation. GNMS however, continues to preserve its historical soul safeguarding the Samadhis of Kasturba Gandhi and Mahadev Desai, while supporting initiatives that honor Ba and Bapu.
The Guardian Who Kept Bapu's Promise
Smt. Shobhana Ranade, affectionately known as Shobhana Tai, deeply inspired by Gandhian thought, played a pivotal role in establishing GNMS. She dedicated over four decades of her life to serving as its Founder Trustee Secretary, a role she held almost to the end of her life. She was also instrumental in establishing a training institute for women at the Agakhan Palace, furthering its role as a space for women empowerment.
In recognition of her lifelong service particularly her work for destitute women and children, she was honoured with numerous awards including the Padma Bhushan.
Gandhi's Three Prophecies
About This Palace
While imprisoned here, Gandhi envisioned this place in just three brief sentences, all of which came true.
"I will request the Agakhan to donate this Palace to the Nation, if not while I am living, then positively after my death."
Fulfilled in 1969, when H.H. Prince Karim Agakhan donated the Palace to Gandhi Smarak Nidhi.
"Since the Samadhis of Kasturba and Mahadevbhai are located here, this will become a place of pilgrimage."
The Palace now attracts thousands of visitors annually from across India and the world.
"From here the emancipation of women will take place."
Since 1980, GNMS has trained over 1500 women annually through vocational and social programmes.
Activities at GNMS
GNMS carries forward Gandhian ideals through a range of educational, cultural, and community initiatives.
- Sarojini Library
- Kasturba Mahila Khadi Gramodyog Vidyalaya Supported by KVIC
- Auditorium
- Museum & Archives
- Samadhis – Place of Remembrance
Footprints
Relive the profound history of Agakhan Palace, where Gandhi’s resilience, values, and quiet determination continue to inspire generations.
