Gandhinagar: On the occasion of Dandi March Day, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will initiate the “Ashram Bhoomi Vandana” at ‘Mahatma Gandhi Sabarmati Ashram Reconstruction Project’ in Ahmedabad on Tuesday, March 12, 2024. Sabarmati Ashram stands tall among the monuments that have a huge historical significance as it became witness to the churnings of India’s freedom movement with congregation of leaders from India and across the world. The Ashram embodies the essence of Gandhiji’s profound ideals, message of simple living, and cherished values. Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel will also be present alongside the Prime Minister at the Ashram Bhoomi Vandana ceremony.

Sabarmati Ashram: A Key Constituent of Indian History

In 1917, upon his return to India from South Africa, Mahatma Gandhi founded the Sabarmati Ashram on the banks of the Sabarmati River in Ahmedabad. The ashram stood as a pivot of the Indian Independence movement as the humble, serene and pious Ashram became the place where Gandhiji steered and strategized the freedom movement against the mighty British empire that had more than half of the world as its colony.

Prime Minister’s Vision of Restoring a Century-old Heritage Site

PM Shri Narendra Modi holds profound reverence and admiration for Gandhiji’s principle of upholding peace and truth even in the times fraught with conflict. During his stint as Gujarat’s Chief Minister, he exhorted people in India and around the world to abide by Gandhiji’s principles. With a vision to enable the coming generations to first-hand experience the sobriety, serenity and ideals of Gandhiji’s life, the Prime Minister has conceptualized the Sabarmati Ashram Reconstruction Project.

The world-class memorial will be built at a cost of ₹1200 crore

Planned with a budget of ₹1200 crore, the ambitious project aims to revamp the infrastructure surrounding Sabarmati Ashram, provide state-of-art amenities to visitors, and establish a world-class memorial dedicated to Gandhiji. The memorial will inspire the coming generations and work towards strengthening of Gandhiji’s timeless principles of truth, non-violence and Satyagraha.

The renovated Ashram will host a number of Interactive Exhibitions showcasing various facets of Gandhiji’s life, Yatras, salient movements of India’s freedom struggle and the Ashram’s illustrious heritage. The Ashram will also be equipped with an Interpretation Centre, public amenities of global accessibility standards such as food court, souvenir shops among others.

In order to enable the visitors to recreate and live a glimpse of Gandhiji’s daily routine, hands-on workshops on activities such as spinning-wheel, producing hand-made textile and paper will also be incorporated at the Ashram. These will allow the visitors to immerse themselves in Gandhiji’s principles of sustainability and self-sufficiency.

“Retaining Old Essence, Exuding New Outlook”

In the rejuvenation of Sabarmati Ashram, utmost care will be taken to retain its timeless essence while refashioning it with a new outlook. The project includes conservation of 20 old buildings, precise restoration of 13 buildings, and redevelopment of 3 buildings keeping in mind the sacrosanct goal of abiding by the Ashram’s original architectural simplicity and essence. The aim is to furbish the Ashram in a manner that it exudes greenery, serenity and lush tranquility to all the visitors.

Led by Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel, the Gujarat government is embarking on the rejuvenation of Sabarmati Ashram, a potent symbol of Gandhiji’s life, teachings, and principles of truth, non-violence, and peace.

The rejuvenation project will be taken forward with utmost sensitivity and respect to the fact that the Ashram’s existence goes beyond the idea of mere physical space. The Ashram stands as a symbol of sacrifice and perseverance of freedom fighters, a haven for introspection, and a crucible of moral values. Gandhiji’s legacy of simplicity and profound ideology resonates through every corner of the sacred Ashram. Under the visionary guidance of the Prime Minister, the redevelopment effort will prove to be a landmark in the direction of animating Gandhiji’s ideals for future generations. DeshGujarat