Motihari, the headquarters of East Champaran district, now boasts of a green patch spread across two acres in the heart of the town.

The patch has been named Satyagraha Park, because it has been built to commemorate the centenary year of Mahatma Gandhi's visit to Champaran in 1917.

Its foundation was laid on April 13, 2013. The park has come up on a plot adjacent to George Orwell's birthplace.

"The government's move to allow the Satyagraha Park to come up just beside Orwell's birthplace is a befitting tribute, given the Motihari-born author's desire to visit the Mahatma's birthplace at least once before his death," said college teacher Arun Kumar.

Governor Ram Nath Kovind inaugurated the Satyagraha Park on Friday, dedicating it to the people of Motihari.

Earlier in the day, the governor had offered floral tributes to Gandhi's statues near Gandhi Maidan, Bapudham Motihari railway station and the Gandhi Smarak premises.

"I feel really privileged to be visiting such a historical place which was not only Gandhi ji's karmabhoomi (workplace) but also the place from where the Father of the Nation laid the foundation of the Independence struggle," said the governor.

"The history of Independence is incomplete without the name of Champaran, which became the first laboratory of people's movement Gandhiji waged to free India from British imperialism."

Bettiah MP Sanjay Jaiswal, Motihari MLA Pramod Kumar, nagar parishad chief councillor Prakash Asthana and a number of MLAs were among others who addressed the crowds on the occasion.

"Maintenance and upkeep of civic amenities in this park would remain the nagar parishad's sole constitutional responsibility," said Motihari Nagar Parishad chief councillor Prakash Asthana.

Motihari MLA Pramod Kumar assured his support in this mission to give the city a new image in tune wirh Gandhi ji's dream.

The facilities made available at Satyagraha Park, like walking strips, sitting arrangements, beautiful flower garden and artificial water fountains could be used for morning walks till 8am.

"A nominal charge will be imposed on those visiting the park later in the day, till 6pm," said a Nagar Parishad source. But the entry fee has not been finalised yet.