Click to play videoNavsari (Gujarat): It is a dilapidated house in Katrakwad locality of Navsari town of Gujurat, but it is extremely special. It was in this house that one of the architects of the Indian freedom movement, Dadabhai Naoroji, was born on September 6, 1825.
However, for its present owner Prakash Joshi, the money matters more than having the distinction of staying in the house. An acute financial crisis has forced Joshi him to sell the invaluable monument to a builder for a paltry sum of Rs 9 lakh.
"There was a lot of protest since 2002, when I gave an advertisement in newspapers to sell off the house, but I have now sold it," says Joshi.
The Dadabhai Naoroji Smruti Vyakhyayanmala and even the Government has been making attempts to stall the sale. And considering the sentiments, Joshi wanted them to buy the house from him, but when no one came forward, he sold it off.
Secretary, Dadabhai Naoroji Smruti Vyakhyayanmala, Kersi Deboo asys, "Our sentiments and Naoroji's memories are attached with this house. It needs to be converted into a historical monument."
Civic authorities say they still hope the house can be converted into a memorial of the freedom fighter.
Chief Officer Navsari Nagarpalika, Dashrathsinh Gohil says "It's our duty to make a smarak (shrine) here. We are trying to get all parties to ensure that the house is converted into a memorial."
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