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Gandhi’s London tour was conceived by Ajay Goyal. In 2005 Ajay Goyal started exploring London while reading about Mahatma Gandhi’s early life and experiences. Over two years Goyal visited dozens of locations in London using many of Mahatma’s own articles but especially a book written by American historian James Hunt as a guide book. He discovered that soon after arriving here first in 1889 Gandhi had become a true Londoner – the one who discovers the many diversities of the world through this beautiful, vibrant and friendly city — and built himself a large circle of friends and soul-mates here.  In the two years he spent in London studying he walked miles each day and lived at a number of locations. He attended many lectures and meetings and his search for vegetarian food took him to vegetarian society meetings and small niche restaurants.

Here is what Goyal writes about London, Gandhi and Gandhis London Walking tour:

Gandhi developed great admiration and affection for London after his two years here as a student. Here he found first of his many inspiring teachers, friends and admirers. The curiosity and ideas of Londoners made a lasting impression on him and provoked a great many thoughts in his young mind. He was first attracted toward Hindu spirituality in London. He also found the great British sense of fairness and morality during his London years that he would later appeal to and use to undermine the British empire. He had as many great admirers and followers in London as elsewhere in Africa and India. He came to London five times but only once as leader of Indian freedom struggle. He last visited London in 1931 for the failed conference on Indian independence. As a student, lawyer, politician and activist, as a Hindu and a vegetarian, as a man on a path of self discovery – Gandhi’s life was deeply connected to London in many ways.

Gandhis London Walk becomes more relevant by the day in not only telling about a very significant part of Gandhi’s life but also about what London is and can be to us today.

- London is home to people of great intellect, talent and passion. London allows nurutring of human qualities and it is a great city in this sense that it remains a centre of thought and ideas.

- Londonders share their qualities and gifts generously with visitors to the city. Gandhi’s life was certainly formed to a great extent in London. The city retains that ability of giving what one seeks.

- London is a diverse and welcoming city.

- Behind the glamour, greed and glitz of London is a deep spiritual and artistic London that years to meet Gandhi like persons. London is attracted to greatness as great people are attracted to London.

- London is a great education city that has nurtured some of the finest minds of the world through the ages. The city still attracts fine men and women in quest of knowledge.

- London is a truly global and political city. World’s politics is still debated most passionately in London.

Gandhis London walk tells an untold story of how one of the greatest men to walk this earth came to this city unformed at a tender young age of 19 from India and how he left laden with a curious spirit and gift of knowledge.