Why is it in the news?
- The Prime Minister inaugurated the redeveloped Kochrab Ashram and launched a master plan for the Sabarmati Gandhi Ashram redevelopment project in Ahmedabad on the anniversary of the Dandi March.
More about the news
- The project is a joint effort between the central government and the government of Gujarat.
- The redevelopment plan is based on meticulous research, utilizing an aerial image from 1949 and documented accounts of the ashram’s original layout and features.
- The redevelopment project includes various features aimed at enhancing the visitor experience and preserving the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi. These features include:
1) ‘Mohan to Mahatma Park’: A park showcasing trees representing all states and Union Territories of India, symbolizing national unity and diversity.
2) Herbal Garden: Designed in the iconic pose of Gandhi walking with his staff, providing a serene space for reflection and contemplation.
3) Meditation Hall: A dedicated space for meditation and introspection, allowing visitors to connect with Gandhi’s philosophy of peace and nonviolence.
4) Dhyan Kendra: A centre for spiritual practices and mindfulness exercises, promoting Gandhian principles of self-discipline and inner harmony.
| Historical Significance of Sabarmati Gandhi Ashram
· Mahatma Gandhi established five ashrams during his lifetime, with the Sabarmati Ashram being the most significant. The first ashram was founded in Ahmedabad’s Kocharab in 1915 before relocating to the Sabarmati site in 1917. · Situated on the western bank of the Sabarmati River, north of the village of Juna Vadaj, the ashram provided an ideal setting for Gandhi’s experiments with truth and nonviolent resistance. · The Sabarmati Ashram served as the epicentre for India’s struggle for independence, witnessing the inception of numerous movements led by Gandhi. These include the iconic Dandi March, Champaran Satyagraha, Ahmedabad mills strike, Kheda Satyagraha, Khadi movement, Rowlatt Act and Khilafat Movements, and the Non-Cooperation movement. · Gandhi spent significant time at the Sabarmati Ashram, shaping his ideas and strategies for social change. The ashram stands as a testament to his enduring legacy and continues to inspire visitors with its rich history and teachings.
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