Visitors doubt authenticity of Gandhi photo

On day one of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) heritage building being thrown open to the public, visitors raised a doubt about the authenticity of a Gandhi photograph put up in the gallery.

On day one of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) heritage building being thrown open to the public, visitors raised a doubt about the authenticity of a Gandhi photograph put up in the gallery.

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The 1893 photo, showing Mahatma Gandhi being thrown out of the train at Johannesburg, is displayed with other pre-and-post independence photos. Visitors found this photo more blurred than the others.

“Gandhiji’s face is not clear, hence we do not know whether it is him. At the time the photo was taken, Gandhi was not a prominent personality. We want the photos and valuables displayed here to be authenticated,” said Shamal Gupte, 52, a Vile Parle resident.

When contacted, Subodh Jain, general manager said: “All artefacts have been authenticated by the Bombay Heritage committee.”

Visitors also complained about the lack of coordination on the first day among railway staff.

“There is no signboard directing visitors to the gallery. The station master guided us to the public relations officer, who told us to come on Saturday. We were disappointed as we had come from very far,” said Dr Meenaz Modak, Andheri resident.