Sabarmati Ashram: Discovering the Soul of India
Sabarmati Ashram was home to Mohan Das Karamchand Gandhi known as the “Father of the Nation” in India. Located by the banks of the Sabarmati River, the ashram was named Sabarmati Ashram.
Sabarmati Ashram History
Gandhiji after his return from South Africa, established Satyagraha Ashram at the Kocharab Bungalow of Jivanlal Desai, a barrister, and a friend of Gandhi on May 25, 1915.
Later on 17 June 1917, the ashram was shifted to a barren land on the banks of the Sabarmati River, which is called the Sabarmati Ashram and also known as Harijan Ashram.
On 12 March 1930, Gandhiji launched a salt march from Sabarmati Ashram with 78 companions and took a vow that he wouldn’t return to the ashram until India won Independence. Although India became independent on 15 August 1947, Gandhiji never came back to Sabarmati Ashram as he was assassinated in January 1948.
Sabarmati Ashram: Believed to Be the Best Site by Gandhi
According to Gandhiji, the ashram was the best as it was situated in the middle of a jail and the crematory. As a satyagrahi, one would either live in a prison or end up in a crematory. He firmly believed.
Gandhiji was in search of a barren land where he could indulge in farming, animal husbandry, and related activities for which Sabarmati Ashram was the ideal site. Interestingly, this was the ashram site where Rishi Dadichi donated his bones for a righteous war as per mythology.
Also his autobiography “The Story of My Experiments with Truth” was written at Sabarmati Ashram.
Goals of Sabarmati Ashram
Mahatma Gandhi Ashram has two goals — Truth and Non-violence. Gandhi’s followers lead a community life in the Ashram following the principles of seeking truth and non-violence. Gandhiji believed that these were the ultimate weapons to fight for the freedom of the country.
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Life at Sabarmati Ashram: Daily Routines and Activities
Mahatma Gandhi Ashram is involved in activities that serve to both preserve the history of Gandhi and educate people about the great philosophies and values of Gandhi. Below are some of the activities:
- Collect, Process, Preserve – They collect, process, and preserve archival materials like photographs, voice records, personal clothes, etc…
- Negatives are preserved, microfilmed, and laminated
- Arranging exhibitions on Gandhiji’s life, literature, and similar activities
- The community and routine maintenance of the Sabarmati Ashram Museum and its surroundings are being funded by the ashram’s trust.
- For the benefit of people, the ashram’s trust helps to undertake, study and research in Gandhian thoughts.
Sabarmati Ashram Attractions
Magan Niwas: Maganlal Gandhi was Gandhiji’s nephew. He introduced upgraded designs of Charkha – the spinning wheel.
Hriday Kunj: This was home of Gandhiji and Kasurba. It was named as Hriday Kunj by Kakasaheb Kalelkar.
Vinoba-Mira Kutir: Vinoba Bhave was praised by Gandhiji for her commitment to truth. Whereas Mira(named by Gandhi), a British admiral’s daughter, Madeleine Slade (original name) was devoted to Gandhiji’s ideology.
Nandini: Nandini served as the guest house to many leaders. Poets Rabindranath Tagore and Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru were a few among them.
Udyog Mandir: It was founded during the historical strike of Ahmedabad mill workers in 1918.
Somnath Chhatralaya: This is a large building with roughly 100 rooms, where the community students observed ashram rules.
Upasana Mandir: As prayers were an essential part of Gandhiji’s life, he gave his “Discourses on the Gita” at this site.
Gandhi Memorial Museum: This museum was inaugurated by India’s first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. It consists of 3 galleries and a library.
Mahatma Gandhi Ashram continues to be the home to the religious community and a museum dedicated to the life and principles of Gandhi. In one of the events, Gandhi was asked to give a message to the people of India. To which he responded, “My Life is My Message Gallery”.
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Sabarmati Riverfront
Sabarmati Ashram is a symbol of peace, harmony, and nonviolence located on the bank of Sabarmati River. The Sabarmati Riverfront project is closely linked with the Sabarmati River and Sabarmati Ashram in several ways including Cultural heritage, Environmental sustainability, and revitalization of the riverfront.
Visitor Information
- Sabarmati Ashram timings:
The Ashram is open from 10 AM to 6 PM every day including holidays.
- How to reach Sabarmati Ashram?
Airways: The nearest airport is Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad. From the airport, you can take a taxi or use other transportation options to reach Sabarmati Ashram.
Roadways: Ahmedabad has a well-developed public bus system. You can take a bus to the Sabarmati Ashram area. Look for buses heading towards Ashram Road or Gandhi Ashram. If you’re travelling within Ahmedabad or from nearby cities, you can drive to Sabarmati Ashram. You can also hire a taxi or use ride-sharing services like Uber or Ola.
- The best time to visit Sabarmati Ashram:
You can go to Sabarmati Ashram at any time of the year. But it’s better to visit Ahmedabad, where the ashram is located, between October and March to avoid the city’s heat.
- Sabarmati Ashram entry fee:
There is no entry fee to see the Ashram. But smoking and alcohol consumption are not allowed here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sabarmati Ashram famous for?
Sabarmati Ashram was home to Mahatma Gandhi from 1917 to 1930. This ashram serves as one of the main centres in the Indian freedom struggle.
How much time is required to visit Sabarmati Ashram?
It depends on one’s interest to explore the Ashram. Although the river-side view is beautiful, it takes an hour to leisurely walk around the Ashram.
How old is Sabarmati?
Sabarmati River was an integral part of the Ahmedabad city, founded in 1911. The river has been an important source of water.
What is the real name of Sabarmati Ashram?
The real name of Sabarmati Ashram is Satyagraha Ashram.