Context:
On the 94th anniversary of Dandi March, the Prime Minister inaugurated the Kochrab Ashram and launched the Master Plan for Gandhi Ashram Memorial in Sabarmati, Gujarat.
Key highlights
On the Dandi March anniversary, the PM inaugurated the redeveloped Kochrab Ashram and launched the Master plan for Sabarmati Gandhi Ashram redevelopment.
The Master Plan for the Gandhi Ashram Memorial includes expansion, restoration, and creation of new facilities to showcase Gandhiji’s life and teachings.
- Under this master plan, the existing five-acre area of the Ashram will be expanded to 55 acres.
The PM highlighted the start of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav from Sabarmati Ashram itself on 12th March 2021, commemorating India’s freedom struggle.
Stressed the importance of heritage preservation, citing Sabarmati Ashram as the heritage of humanity.
Discussed various development projects related to India’s freedom struggle and heritage restoration, including Rajpath redevelopment and the Statue of Unity.
Kochrab Ashram
- This was the first ashram established by Mahatma Gandhi after returning to India from South Africa in 1915. Its redevelopment ensures its preservation as a memorial and tourist space.
- Named Satyagraha Ashram initially, it served as a base for Gandhi’s experiments with self-sufficiency and social upliftment for about 18 months before shifting to the Sabarmati Ashram.
Sabarmati Ashram
- The Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad was Mahatma Gandhi’s residence and center for India’s independence movement. It was set up by Gandhiji in 1917
- Witnessing key events like the Dandi March, the ashram embodies Gandhi’s principles.
- Simple mud-brick buildings and a prayer ground reflect his values.
- Today, the ashram is a national monument and peace center with a Gandhi Museum showcasing his life and philosophy.
- It remains a symbol of Gandhi’s ideals of peace, non-violence, and social justice.