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Obamas at the Gandhi museum

US President Barack Obama on Saturday described Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi as 'a hero not just to India but to the world'.

"I am filled with hope and inspiration as I have the privilege to view this testament to Gandhi's life. He is a hero not just to India but to the world," Obama wrote in the visitor's book at the Mani Bhavan in Mumbai.

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Obamas at the Gandhi museum

Obama visited the Gandhi Museum at Mani Bhavan to honour the Father of the Nation.

The Obamas reached Mani Bhavan in a cavalcade of over 24 cars, including two limousines, six mini buses and a SWAT team and an ambulance.

Obamas at the Gandhi museum

Gandhi, the US President said, has inspired Americans and African Americans, including Martin Luther King.

Obamas at the Gandhi museum

Located in a comparatively quiet locality in the Gamdevi precinct, this modest building served as Gandhi's headquarters in Mumbai for about 17 eventful years from 1917-1934.

Obamas at the Gandhi museum

It belonged to Shri Revashankar Jagjeevan Jhaveri, who was Gandhi's friend and his host during that period, and to the Mani family prior to that.

Obamas at the Gandhi museum

In 1955, the building was taken over by the Gandhi Smarak Nidhi and converted into a memorial to the Mahatma, who frequently stayed here and initiated political activities.

Obamas at the Gandhi museum

It was here that he learnt to weave fibre on the charkha and drank goat's milk for the first time besides gradually changing his attire from western tailored suits to the unstitched loincloth he wore to the end.

Obamas at the Gandhi museum

Visitors come to see the room that Gandhiji occupied, its picture gallery, the library hall and terrace, where he was arrested on January 4, 1932