Mumbai's iconic Mani Bhavan has come up with a unique idea to debunk myths and rumour spread about Mahatama Gandhi online. Starting this Wednesday, they began a series, where discussions on books and topics related to Gandhi, his wife Kasturba and their associates will be held. While knowledge on Gandhi and his message will be the most important aspect of these discussions, protecting Gandhi's image will be crucial, too.
It will be a monthly programme. The first in the series will be a discussion on a biography on Kasturba by Arun Gandhi. The discussion will take place at the Gamdevi-based Mani Bhavan Gandhi Sanghralaya.
"It will be our first. We will also see exactly how it turns out. The reason is to spread awareness and clear the air on rumours and fake news and stories. The aim is to help people know the truth," said Sandhya Mehta, researcher and social media coordinator at Mani Bhavan. She also penned the book 'Gandhi in Bombay'.
Mehta discussed how they take to social media, especially Twitter, to dispel fake news and spread the authentic account. "Someone had posted a picture on Twitter with the wrong dates mentioned. We verified the details and corrected the person. We verify the authenticity of posts by referring to the books and other authentic sources we possess. We don't argue, but see to it that correct and true facts go out, because, we want to protect Gandhi's message and image," she said.
Not only social media, even their website is used to dispense authentic information about Gandhi. Trustee and Hon Secretary Yogesh Kamdar said with advent of social media, both news and fake news became easily available. "Through the series we aim to reach as many people as we can. There is no entry fee to attend these discussions," he said.
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- Trustee and Hon Secy of Mani Bhavan, Yogesh Kamdar, said with advent of social media, both news and fake news became easily available. So, through the series, they aim to reach out to people. There is no entry fee to attend these discussions.
