The technology developed does not ‘merely scan’ Gandhian images. It extrapolates Gandhian ideals to newer domains of information technology and product design, and at higher levels, the creation of meaning in a globalized world. For example, the Gandhian commitment to hand-based production and its symbiotic relationship with nature is interpreted in the context of modern culture-conscious design.

The contributions of the spectrum of artists, spanning wide geographic boundaries and disciplines, illustrate the universal resonance in Gandhian messages. Computer scientists, modern designers, mosaic makers, craftsmen, artists, and wood carvers offer their work as a dedicated prayer, in remembrance of the Gandhian vision; a collective Likita Japa, the endless remembrance of the Divine through repetition of the written mantra. Each object in the museum, whether a pixel of light, a bit-map on the screen, an animation, a circuit or a handcrafted object is a living prayer. Here lies the reaffirmation of the Gandhian view, a commitment to the dignity of hands, the healing of divides, the leveraging of village creativity and cultural diversity in the face of homogenization.

With respect to technology, the project will continue to demonstrate state of the future tangible learning media. Research has shown that building technology that allows people to utilize their innate abilities of physical manipulation and sensing greatly improves the user interface and learning.

With respect to content, it will re-"present" personal Gandhian values of non violence, non possession, fearlessness and commitment to Truth as well as communal values of ecology, non-violent conflict resolution and village development and sustainable indigenous technology. The world's top scholars, artists and designers are contributing to the content. The exhibit also includes a section titled Global Gandhi, in which worlds leading technocrats and economists critically examine the role of indigenous technology, sustainability in a globalized world.

With respect to design, the project is uniquely carving out a new space of culture conscious product design' and 'culturally rooted computing' bringing in organic natural materials and forms into modern design. In a milieu of lack of Indian Identity the project proposes to inspire Indian designers into looking 'within' for indigenous forms of expression, and inspire the world designers about eco design as well as the need for ornament in a homogenized environment.

Benefits

The Gandhi MMM project will provide multidimensional benefits: The Gandhi Smriti will be transformed into a permanent national landmark, and millions of Indian people across all strata of society will benefit from the learning experience; the project offers a beacon of leadership towards sustainable green design, and technology researchers, designers, artists and scholars are expected to feel revived by values of eco design, sustainable and indigenous technology. The diverse members of Ranjit Makkuni's team and educational, cultural and scientific organizations involved can carry away the 'learning' back to their home and stimulate research into cultural conscious product design and culturally rooted computing all over the world.