Gandhi Jayanti: 100-Year-Old Rare Footage of Mahatma Gandhi’s Felicitation in Rajkot Preserved at Pune’s NFAI

Pune, 2nd October 2026: A rare film recording from 1925 showing Mahatma Gandhi being felicitated in Rajkot has been preserved at the National Film Archive of India (NFAI) in Pune. The century-old footage has been digitised in 4K resolution under the National Film Heritage Mission (NFHM), the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) said on Gandhi Jayanti.

The archival footage captures a ceremony in which a Manpatra (civic address or scroll of honour) was read out and presented to Gandhi inside a traditional silver casket. It also documents his interactions with local dignitaries and citizens during a reception following the ceremony.

The rare visuals offer a glimpse into Gandhi’s public engagements and interactions with people during the freedom struggle. Their preservation is part of efforts to safeguard India’s cinematic and historical heritage for future generations.

Commenting on the preservation initiative, NFDC Managing Director Prakash Magdum said Gandhi’s life and principles continued to guide the nation.

“Preserving these priceless visuals of the Father of the Nation in 4K resolution under the National Film Heritage Mission is a solemn responsibility. Through NFDC-NFAI, we remain committed to restoring India’s rich cinematic and historical heritage, ensuring it remains accessible for future generations,” Magdum said.

The National Film Heritage Mission aims to preserve and restore India’s film heritage. The digitisation of the 1925 footage in 4K resolution will help safeguard the rare historical recording and make it accessible for future generations.

The footage was presented by NFDC-NFAI as part of its observance of Gandhi Jayanti on October 2.