Gandhi shows path of non-violent conflict resolution

Executive Summary

“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.” – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Mahatma Gandhi is an international icon for human rights, justice, and equality whose personal dedication to nonviolent conflict resolution enabled the people of the Indian subcontinent to achieve independence. Although he never stepped on U.S. soil, he 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.

Established in 2002 as a 501c3 entity, EGMH (formerly known as Mahatma Gandhi Library), seeks to establish a cultural and educational place-based initiative to inspire visitors to embrace these timeless values in their own lives. Through the life and work of Gandhi—Eternal Gandhi Museum Houston will be a thriving, vibrant institution aimed at positively impacting the community while creating a sustainable and dynamic economic engine in Houston, one of the most diverse cities in the nation. This is the guiding vision.

Mission

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

– Mahatma Gandhi

EDUCATION

INSPIRATION

ACTION

TRANSFORMATION

The Museum will also highlight various world leaders and their journeys depicting the power of peaceful resistance to settle conflicts nonviolently. By telling the story of Gandhi and the many peace leaders he inspired, EGMH will enrich the lives of all who visit through immersive educational experiences. In today’s divisive political and social climate, no message is more relevant. Gandhi’s message of peace is universal and timeless. Beyond its cultural impact, the EGMH will be an important economic driver, stimulating tourism, jobs, and direct and indirect spending in the local and greater Houston community.

Designed by RDLR Architects, EGMH, will be located on 3 acres of land at 12379 Riceville School Road in Southwest Houston and is projected to welcome over 30,000 visitors annually in over 12,800 SF of world class exhibition, gallery, and community spaces. Solid Light, an award winning museum design and build firm, will create visually and emotionally captivating experiences. EGMH has also engaged a museum consultant with Smithsonian background and an education consultant to develop TEKS aligned curriculum and provide outreach to Houston area schools and educators. The EGMH Board launched a capital campaign with a total $10 million goal as follows:

To date, the EGMH capital campaign has raised $7.2 million towards its goal including $1.1 million from the Board of Trustees and $1.275 million in private donor commitments. Additionally, $750,000 from the Houston Endowment, $250,000 from T.T. and W.F. Chao Foundation, $250,000 from Sampson C. and Faye Shen Memorial Fund, $100,000 from The Elkins Foundation and $50,000 from MD Anderson Foundation. Funding also includes an exciting $3 million Community Project Funding award sponsored by Congressman Al Green and the U.S. House Appropriations Committee. Fort Bend county provided grant of $475,000. The EGMH capital campaign is off to a strong start, only $2.8 million remains to be raised from philanthropic foundations, corporations, and private donors.