Blue plaque at Woodbrooke for Gandhi
A blue plaque has been unveiled to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Mohandas Gandhi
A blue plaque has been unveiled at Woodbrooke to mark the 150th birthday anniversary of Mohandas Gandhi – and to honour his speech there exactly eighty-eight years ago.
The plaque ceremony was held in the same Cadbury Room where Gandhi spoke to a rumoured 300 people on the subject of obtaining Indian freedom through peaceful means. The speech on 18 October 1931 was part of his tour of Britain.
Sandra Berry, Woodbrooke director, said: ‘Many Quakers in Gandhi’s lifetime took inspiration from his nonviolent campaigning for a better world. As a Quaker learning provider, Woodbrooke today is committed to offering learning opportunities that support individuals and communities in the exploration, deepening and application of their spiritual gifts.’
When Gandhi travelled to Woodbrooke in 1931, it was in part as tribute to his friend Horace Alexander, who taught international relations at Woodbrooke from 1919 to 1944. Horace Alexander said later about Gandhi: ‘There was a good deal of the Quaker about him.’
