Gandhi shows path of non-violent conflict resolution

Executive Summary

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “If humanity is to progress, Gandhi is inescapable. He lived, thought, and acted, inspired by the vision of humanity evolving toward a world of peace and harmony. We may ignore him at our own risk.” Mahatma Gandhi, although he never stepped on US soil, continues to inspire and be a role model.

Eternal Gandhi Museum Houston (EGMH) is an initiative to preserve and continue the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi. The museum will be located in Houston, one of the most diverse cities in the United States. It will be the first ever museum dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi in the Americas. The Museum’s message is a transformative one: Through practice of nonviolent conflict resolution, visitors (especially youth) can be catalysts for change in their own lives and communities.

Mission

“In a gentle way, you can shake the world”

– Mahatma Gandhi

EDUCATION

INSPIRATION

ACTION

TRANSFORMATION

EGMH (formerly known as Mahatma Gandhi Library), a 501c3 nonprofit entity, established in 2002, has undertaken the challenge of establishing a place-based arts initiative. The guiding principle for this project is to create—through the life and work of Gandhi—a thriving, vibrant educational organization aimed at impacting the world through its visitors while creating a successful new resource and civic asset for the Greater Houston area. The museum will highlight the power of nonviolent conflict resolution through examples of peace leaders from across the globe.

To initiate this project, we have engaged a reputable museum consultant, with a Smithsonian background. The museum will include exhibits and interpretations that highlight the mission and vision. Additional consultants engaged for this project include a design and build museum firm, architect and an education consultant.

EGMH has acquired 3 acres of land in southwest Houston to house the museum and is launching a capital campaign. The proposed budget for construction and endowment is 12.5 million dollars as follows.

The capital campaign for EGMH has reached $3.1 million for the building, design and construction. The EGMH Board of Trustees has committed $1.1 million and secured another $1.4 million in private donor commitments. The Houston Endowment Foundation recently awarded a capital grant of $500,000 and The Elkins Foundation awarded $100,000. A concerted fundraising campaign is underway through foundations, corporations and private donors to raise the remaining $9.4 million. We look forward to your support to transform this inspiration into action.