Listen to artist Atul Dodhiya speak about Mahatma Gandhi's impact at Khadi Gram Udyog Bhandar

The statue of Mahatma Gandhi at the venue

Few individuals have left as lasting an impact on a nation's consciousness, as much as Mahatma Gandhi has. As Albert Einstein remarked upon his passing, generations to come will scarcely believe that such a man walked on this earth. Seventy-five years since his assassination, his brand looms over modern India as a reminder of its heritage and its flaws. This evening, artist Atul Dodiya will step into the Khadi Gram Udyog Bhandar in Fort to speak about the effect a single man has had on India's cultural and evidently, artistic consciousness.

Growing up in Ghatkopar and attending a Gujarati-medium school, Dodiya was introduced to the principles of simple living, high thinking, sustainable use of clothes and food. His Gandhi series in the late '90s marked the first expression of his fascination with the great man. The work began on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of India's Independence. Having returned from Paris in 1996, Dodiya witnessed a change in the country after the Babri Masjid riots that sparked his introspection on India in a post-Gandhian world. "Since then, the country has seen a state of intermittent conflict. It made me think that Gandhiji is present on our roads, on our currency, but absent from our lives. His principle and philosophy of loving your fellow human being is missing."

Children attend a previous workshop on Ahimsa silk hosted in the space; (right) B for Bapu. Pic Courtesy/Atul Dodiya Studio

Dodiya has created over 200 contemporary artworks featuring the Mahatma, of which 75 will be showcased this evening. "Firstly, I am an artist, not a sociologist, or a Gandhian scholar. My primary concern was to learn how I can illustrate Gandhi, not explain him. Scholars and writers have done that. My response to him was as a painter," he explains. Above all, it was Gandhi's teachings and genuine concern for fellow human beings that affected him.

The venue also adds an interesting context to the talk. Hosted at the Khadi Gram Udyog Bhandar in Fort by INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage), Mumbai chapter and MVIA (Mumbai Village Industries Association), it is part of an ongoing effort to transform the space. Katyayani Agarwal, convenor of the Mumbai chapter, shares, "It is a beautiful iconic structure. We saw the potential of developing it into a cultural space for events related to Gandhian principles."

Atul Dodiya and Katyayani Agarwal

In November 2022, INTACH took on the project. On Mahatma Gandhi's death anniversary on January 30 this year, the venue launched the project with its first session - a talk by Sudheendra Kulkarni and a performance by musician Shekhar Sen. Now, the trust is looking to develop a project report to build a long-term roadmap. "We have engaged senior conservation architect Kirtida Unwalla to outline the design and reimagine the consumer space, understand their psychology and place the khadi products accordingly."

With noted Gandhian GG Parikh in attendance, the session offers an insight into the teachings of the man whose Hamletian shadow now asks pointed questions of a strife-riddled country.

On Today; 5.30 pm to 7.30 pm
At Khadi Gram Udyog Bhandar, Dr DN Road, Fort.
Whatsapp 9820451446 to register