As someone who had visited Sabarmati Ashram, I would say that it was a deeply moving and enlightening experience. I was inspired to walk through the ashram and observe the simple living quarters and artifacts belonging to Gandhi. Sabarmati Ashram, also known as Gandhi Ashram, is a historic site located in the Sabarmati suburb of Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. It was the residence of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation, during the Indian independence movement. The ashram is now a national monument and a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the world.
The establishment of the Sabarmati Ashram was an important event in the history of India’s struggle for independence. Mahatma Gandhi founded the ashram in 1915. After returning from South Africa, where he had been leading the Indian community’s fight against discrimination and apartheid. The ashram served as a base for Gandhi and his followers to launch campaigns against British rule. It was also a hub of social and cultural activities.
Gandhi chose the location for the ashram on the banks of the Sabarmati River for several reasons. The first was that he believed the river would provide a source of inspiration and spiritual energy for the ashram’s inhabitants. The second was that the location was far enough from the city center to provide a peaceful and secluded environment for meditation and reflection. Finally, the location was strategically important as it was a hub for cotton production and trade; key to India’s economy at the time.
The ashram consisted of several buildings, including living quarters for Gandhi and his family, a kitchen, a school, a library, and a prayer hall. The prayer hall was known as the Hridaya Kunj. It was where Gandhi and his followers gathered each morning for prayers and meditation. The ashram was also home to a range of activities aimed at promoting self-sufficiency and independence, including spinning and weaving, agriculture, and animal husbandry.
One of the most significant events in the history of the Sabarmati Ashram was the Salt March. Gandhi launched it in 1930 to protest against British colonial rule. The march involved a group of followers, including Gandhi himself. He walked for 240 miles from Sabarmati Ashram to the coastal town of Dandi to make salt from seawater in defiance of the British salt laws. The Salt March was a turning point in India’s struggle for independence, and it helped to raise international awareness of the movement.
Today, the Sabarmati Ashram is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the world who come to learn about the life and work of Mahatma Gandhi. The ashram has been restored and preserved as a museum. It contains a wealth of exhibits and artifacts, including Gandhi’s personal possessions, photographs, and writings. Visitors can also explore the various buildings and gardens of the ashram, including the prayer hall and the spinning wheel room.
The Sabarmati Ashram is a historic site that played a significant role in India’s struggle for independence. Mahatma Gandhi sounded the ashram to serve as a base for his campaigns against British rule. Today, it is a popular tourist destination and a symbol of India’s rich cultural heritage. The ashram is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the life and work of Mahatma Gandhi and the history of India’s independence movement.
