Gandhi Ashram, Ahmedabad

One of the Must Visit Place in Ahmedabad to explore values and life of Mahatma Gandhi. "Being a Gujarati, I thought I should be able to render the greatest services to the country through the Gujarati language. And then as Ahmedabad was an ancient centre of hand loom weaving, it was likely to be most favourable field for the revival of the cottage industry of hand spinning. There was also a hope that, the city being capital of Gujarat, monetary help from its wealthy citizens would be more available than any other place". This was an explanation given by Gandhiji for choosing Ahmedabad as is hub of activities. Gandhiji selected a place on the bank of the river Sabarmati very close to the Saint Dadheechi’s temple as well as from Jail and a crematorium. Gandhi used to remark, "This is the right place for our activities to carry on the search for Truth and develop Fearlessness for on one side are the iron bolts of the foreigners and on the other, thunderbolts of mother nature." After building a few essential structures, activities of the Ashram commenced in 1917. Gandhiji had driven all the major activities of independence as well as upliftment of the society from this Ashram which was popularly known as Sabarmati Ashram. He stayed in the ashram for many years before he finally proceeded for a march to Dandi to break the salt law on 12 March 1930. Before starting the march to Dandi, Gandhiji declared that he will not return to the ashram before the independence of the country. The Gandhi Smarak Sangrahalaya is run by a public trust established in 1951. The museum’s new premises were built in 1963. The museum’s main objective is to house the personal memorabilia of Mahatma Gandhi. Consequently the exhibits on view depict the vivid and historic events of Gandhiji’s life. There are books, manuscripts and photocopies of his correspondence, photographs of Gandhiji with his wife Kasturba and other ashram associates, life size oil paintings and actual relics like his writing desk and spinning wheel.

The ashram is well maintained and very clean. There are so many Arte facts that symbolizes so many important events in the Indian freedom struggle. The galleries are amazing and so informative. Me and my friends visited the ashram for our project and we were amazed to find so detailed information. I especially liked the timelines, they just take you back in time. Anyone who wants to know about our proud history and Gandhi's amazing and simple life should visit the ashram. The river gives a nice and calming view as well.