Chalo Taluke - Gujarat Information Bureau

October, 2011
Special Feature
is both an enthralling and enriching
experience. The Gandhian spirit is still
deeply rooted in the ethos of the ashram
and is especially seen in the people who
run the institution with utmost
dedication and facilitate visitors to
imbibe the teachings of Mahatma
Gandhi.
Upon entering the ashram premises,
one can witness history unfolding in
front of one’s eyes as one wanders
through a museum containing pictorial
and written documentation on the
Mahatma's life. A library is also
dedicated to Gandhian literature and
paintings while an excellent and
spellbinding archive of letters written
by Gandhiji is maintained alongside.
The archives contain a mindboggling
collection of 34,066 letters by Gandhiji,
manuscripts of his 8,633 articles,
negatives of 6,367 photographs, 134
reels of microfilm of his writings and
210 films on Gandhiji and the freedom
struggle. Also on display, are works of
various artists who have paid a tribute
to the Mahatma and his contribution to
A letter to humanity : The Mahatma’s letter at an exhibit in Sabarmati Ashram
humanity in their own special way.
The ashram also houses Hridaykunj
(Gandhiji's sparse living quarters),
Vinoba-Mira Kutir, where Vinoba and
Mira each stayed on separate visits,
Prarthana Bhumi (prayer grounds),
Nandini ( guest house) and Udyog
Mandir (training center for small
industries), all preserved as part of the
museum. Behind Udyog Mandir stands
the non-profit organization Manav
Sadhna, which exemplifies the essence
of Gandhiji's teachings and works with
people from the margins of the society.
Gandhiji's house, Hridaykunj, is a
virtue of minimalism and openness.
Amongst the priceless items kept here,
is a charkha (the spinning wheel) with
which he used to weave khadi and the
writing table he used to write letters.
The charkha, symbolizing a spirit of
self entrepreneurship, inspired
thousands to join the Indian freedom
struggle against the British. Hridaykunj
serves as an inspiration to today's
generation and reminds us to be simple,
self sufficient and strive to lead a
meaningful life.
The Sabarmati Ashram is just one
amongst a series of indelible footprints
that Mahatma Gandhi has left on
Gujarat's landscape. Today, it is easy to
rewind back to those times and
memories and immerse oneself in
Gandhiji's philosophies, values and
teachings by taking a trip through the
Gandhi Circuit and visiting other places
in Gujarat such as Porbandar, Dandi,
Bardoli, etc. as well.
Over the years, the Sabarmati
Ashram has continued to attract hordes
of followers and tourists who come in
search of exploring the concepts of
truth, non violence, tolerance and
equality and leave feeling stimulated
and enlightened.
Sabarmati Ashram is and will
continue to be a guiding light for future
generations who wish to tread the path
of holistic development, the Gandhian
way.
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