Revitalizing Mahatma Gandhi’s Legacy: Sabarmati Ashram Memorial Project
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Ahmedabad, Gujarat, is set to mark a significant milestone in the rejuvenation of Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy with the inauguration of the “Ashram Bhoomi Vandana” ceremony and the unveiling of the masterplan for the Sabarmati Ashram Memorial Project. The ambitious project, allocated a budget of Rs 1,200 crore, aims to revitalize and preserve the teachings and philosophy of the Father of the Nation for present and future generations.
1. Scope and Objectives: The project aims to revamp the infrastructure surrounding the Sabarmati Ashram, provide modern amenities to visitors, and establish a world-class memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi. It seeks to expand the existing five-acre ashram area to 55 acres and restore 36 existing buildings while maintaining the ashram’s original architectural simplicity and essence.
2. Infrastructure Development: The masterplan includes the conservation and restoration of 20 old buildings, precise restoration of 13 buildings, and redevelopment of three buildings. New structures will house administration facilities, visitor amenities such as an orientation center, and interactive workshops showcasing activities like ‘charkha’ spinning, handmade paper, cotton weaving, and leatherwork.
3. Educational and Cultural Significance: The renovated ashram will feature interactive exhibits and activities highlighting different aspects of Mahatma Gandhi’s life and the ashram’s legacy. Additionally, a library and archives building will be established to preserve and disseminate Gandhi’s ideas, facilitating scholarly research and educational initiatives.
4. Visitor Experience Enhancement: The project includes the creation of an interpretation center to guide visitors in multiple languages, enriching their cultural and intellectual experience. This aims to make the ashram a more stimulating and enriching destination for visitors from diverse backgrounds.
5. Inauguration of Kochrab Ashram: During the visit, PM Modi will also inaugurate the redeveloped Kochrab Ashram, the first ashram established by Mahatma Gandhi upon his return to India from South Africa in 1915. This historic site, preserved as a memorial and tourist space, holds immense significance in Gandhi’s journey and the Indian freedom movement.
6. Commitment to Gandhian Principles: The rejuvenation project reflects PM Modi’s profound reverence for Gandhiji’s principles of peace and truth. It emphasizes the importance of preserving the ashram as more than just a physical space, recognizing it as a symbol of sacrifice, perseverance, and moral values.
The Sabarmati Ashram Memorial Project symbolizes a dedicated effort to ensure that Mahatma Gandhi’s timeless ideals continue to inspire and guide humanity in the modern age. With its focus on conservation, education, and cultural enrichment, the project aims to create a fitting tribute to the legacy of the Father of the Nation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Ahmedabad, Gujarat, holds significant promise with the unveiling of the masterplan for the Sabarmati Ashram Memorial Project. This ambitious endeavor, backed by a budget of Rs 1,200 crore, aims to rejuvenate and amplify the teachings and philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi for present and future generations.
The project encompasses a comprehensive overhaul of the infrastructure surrounding the historic Sabarmati Ashram, founded by Mahatma Gandhi in 1917 on the banks of the Sabarmati river. With plans to expand the existing five-acre area to an impressive 55 acres, the project signifies a commitment to preserving Gandhi’s legacy while offering modern amenities to visitors.
Central to the masterplan is the meticulous restoration of 20 old buildings and the precise preservation of 13 structures, all in alignment with the ashram’s original architectural simplicity and essence. Additionally, three buildings will undergo redevelopment, enhancing the ashram’s ambiance of greenery, serenity, and tranquility.