GANDHI PROJECT

TITE: SABARMATI ASHRAM – THE HEART OF

INDIA’S FREEDOM MOVEMENT
 INDEX

S. No. Content

1 Introduction
2 The Birth of Sabarmati Ashram
3 Objectives and Ideals
4 Daily Life and Discipline
5 Major Movements Originating from the Ashram
6 Architecture and Key Areas
7 Important Personalities at the Ashram
8 Educational and Social Reforms
9 Role of Women in the Ashram
10 Sabarmati Ashram Today
11 Gandhi Smarak Sangrahalaya
12 Global Impact of Gandhian Thought
13 Legacy of the Ashram
14 Gandhian Philosophy practiced at the Ashram
15 Economic and Political impact of the Ashram
16 Role in Youth and Leadership Training
17 Global Recognition of Sabarmati Ashram
18 Relevance in the Modern Era
19 Historical Background of Sabarmati Ashram
20 Architectural Layout and Environment of Sabarmati Ashram
21 Life at Sabarmati Ashram
22 Gandhi Experiments and Idols at Sabarmati Ashram
23 Major Movements Launched from Sabarmati Ashram
24 Prominent Visitors and Residents of Sabarmati Ashram
25 Conclusion
26 Bibliography
27 Reference

 Introduction:
Sabarmati Ashram is one of the most iconic heritage sites in India. Situated on the
banks of the Sabarmati River in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, it became the epicenter of
India’s struggle for independence under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi.
Established in 1917, it served as the home, laboratory, and training ground for
Gandhiji and his followers for over a decade. The Ashram became a powerful
symbol of truth, non-violence, simplicity, and self-reliance.

 The Birth of Sabarmati Ashram:

Mahatma Gandhi returned to India from South Africa in 1915 after years of civil
rights activism. He initially set up an ashram in Kochrab, Ahmedabad, but soon
realized the need for a more suitable location for his social experiments. In 1917,
with the help of his supporters, Gandhi established the Sabarmati Ashram on a 36-
acre plot by the river.

The ashram was chosen for its proximity to a jail and a crematorium, which
Gandhi said reminded him of the consequences of his activism: imprisonment or
death.

 Objectives and Ideals :

The Ashram was built upon Gandhiji’s core values:

I. Truth (Satya)

II. Non-violence (Ahimsa)

III. Celibacy (Brahmacharya)

IV. Control over palate (Asvada)

V. Non-possession (Aparigraha)

VI. Use of locally made goods (Swadeshi)

VII. Equality and social reform

It was meant to be a live-in community where these values were not only taught
but practiced. It laid the foundation for constructive programs, rural upliftment,
and freedom movements.

 Daily Life and Discipline :

Life in the Ashram followed a strict daily schedule. The day started with prayers
and was followed by chores like:
a) Spinning khadi

b) Cleaning

c) Farming

d) Cooking

e) Studying scriptures and social subjects

The Ashram’s motto was: “Simple living and high thinking.” All tasks were shared
equally, regardless of caste or gender. The environment promoted equality,
humility, and service.

 Major Movements Originating from the Ashram :

The Ashram was the launchpad of several revolutionary movements:

Champaran Satyagraha (1917) – Gandhi's first major protest in India.

Kheda Satyagraha (1918) – For tax relief for farmers.

Non-Cooperation Movement (1920) – Mass protest against British rule.

Salt Satyagraha / Dandi March (1930) – Gandhi began the 240-mile march from
the Ashram to Dandi to protest the salt tax. After this, he vowed not to return until
India gained independence.
 Architecture and Key Areas of the Ashram:

The Ashram includes several simple yet meaningful structures:

Hriday Kunj: Gandhi’s personal cottage, preserved as it was.

Upasana Mandir: Open prayer ground.

Magan Niwas: Residence of Maganlal Gandhi, where khadi work began.

Vinoba/Mira Kutir: Residences for key associates.

Gandhi Smarak Sangrahalaya: Museum with documents, photos, and letters.

Library: Thousands of books on freedom and Gandhian thought.

 Important Personalities Associated with the Ashram :

Kasturba Gandhi: Mahatma Gandhi’s wife and key companion.

Maganlal Gandhi: His nephew, known as the “soul of the Ashram.”

Vinoba Bhave: Social reformer and spiritual heir to Gandhi.

Mira Behn (Madeleine Slade): British woman who adopted Gandhi’s ideals.
Jawaharlal Nehru & Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel: Regular visitors and followers of
Gandhi’s movements.

 Educational and Social Reforms :

The Ashram promoted:

Basic Education (Nai Talim): Learning through productive work.

Anti-Untouchability Campaigns

Promotion of Hindi and regional languages

Health and sanitation programs

Village reconstruction and self-employment

These reforms influenced post-independence education and rural development

policies.

 Role of Women in the Ashram :

Women played a key role in ashram activities:

Kasturba Gandhi worked in sanitation and education.

Women spun khadi and participated in satyagrahas.

Gandhiji emphasized women’s strength, morality, and leadership.

The Ashram helped break gender and caste stereotypes.

 Sabarmati Ashram Today :

Today, the Ashram is maintained as a national monument and a symbol of peace. It

is visited by scholars, students, and tourists. It hosts:
Guided tours

Khadi workshops

Exhibitions on Gandhiji’s life

Seminars and lectures on non-violence and peace

It remains a beacon of Gandhian philosophy in the 21st century.

 Gandhi Smarak Sangrahalaya :

Inaugurated in 1963, the Gandhi Memorial Museum holds:

Personal belongings of Gandhi

Rare photographs

Audio and video recordings

Copies of important letters

Sections on Dandi March, Constructive Program, and Gandhi’s philosophy

It aims to educate new generations about India’s freedom and values.

 Global Impact and Legacy:

The ideas nurtured at Sabarmati Ashram inspired:

Martin Luther King Jr. in the U.S. civil rights movement.

Nelson Mandela in South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle.

Environmental and peace movements worldwide.

Gandhi’s experiments with truth, non-violence, and social reform continue to

influence global human rights and conflict resolution initiatives.
 Gandhian Philosophy Practiced at the Ashram :

The Sabarmati Ashram was not just a physical space but also a philosophical
laboratory. Gandhiji implemented and refined the following core principles:

1. Truth (Satya) – Every activity at the ashram, including education and economic
life, was built on honesty.

2. Non-violence (Ahimsa) – Even in protest, followers were taught never to harm

others.

3. Trusteeship – Wealth and resources were seen as a trust for the welfare of all.

4. Self-Sufficiency (Swavalamban) – Khadi spinning, farming, and simple living

taught people to depend on local resources.

5. Sarvodaya (Welfare of All) – Gandhi’s vision of a just society where no one is

oppressed.

These principles were not just theoretical—they were lived out every day, making
he Ashram a model of applied philosophy.
 Economic and Political Impact of the Ashram :

The Sabarmati Ashram played a crucial role in both the economic and political
awakening of the masses:

Economic Self-Reliance: By spinning khadi and rejecting British-made goods,

Gandhi mobilized Indians to build a swadeshi economy.

Boycott Movements: Economic boycotts originating from the ashram hit the
British revenue system hard.

Training of Activists: Volunteers from the ashram were trained in satyagraha and
sent across India to lead protests.

Mass Mobilization: Movements like Salt Satyagraha turned passive subjects into
active freedom fighters.

Thus, the Ashram functioned like a revolutionary training center, changing how
Indians saw themselves and their power.

 Role in Youth and Leadership Training:

One of the Ashram’s major contributions was shaping a generation of disciplined,
ethical leaders:

Youngsters were taught to value discipline, service, and humility.

They learned conflict resolution through non-violence.

Education was designed to create socially responsible citizens, not just degree-
holders.

Prominent leaders like Vinoba Bhave, Narhari Parikh, and Dhirubhai Mehta
emerged from this environment.

Even today, leadership programs at Sabarmati Ashram aim to instill these timeless
values in youth.

 Global Recognition of Sabarmati Ashram :

Sabarmati Ashram holds a revered place in the global imagination:

It is visited by world leaders, scholars, and peace activists.

UNESCO has supported efforts to preserve its legacy.

It is often studied in universities across the globe for its role in non-violent
resistance.
Mahatma Gandhi’s global admirers—from Martin Luther King Jr. to the Dalai
Lama—have acknowledged the Ashram’s role in shaping his legacy.

Its message continues to resonate in movements for democracy, climate justice,

and human rights around the world.

 Relevance in the Modern Era :

In today’s fast-paced, consumer-driven world, Sabarmati Ashram’s principles offer

profound lessons:

Minimalism: Living simply helps reduce stress and environmental damage.

Community Living: Encourages collective welfare over individual greed.

Ethical Leadership: Promotes honesty and transparency in public life.

Peace Education: Useful in resolving modern conflicts, from domestic violence to
global wars.

Sustainable Living: Local production and mindful consumption are key in

combating climate change.

Educational institutions, NGOs, and governments are now looking back to

Gandhian models for answers to current social and moral crises.
 Historical Background of Sabarmati Ashram:

1. Foundation and Establishment

Sabarmati Ashram was established by Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi on 17 June

1917, after he returned from South Africa. Gandhi was in search of a peaceful
location that could serve as a center for his social, political, and spiritual
experiments. He initially started at the Kochrab Ashram in 1915 but soon realized
the need for a more isolated place. The banks of the Sabarmati River offered both
serenity and symbolic significance—it was located between a jail and a
crematorium, aligning with Gandhi’s ideals of self-sacrifice and fearlessness.

The land was acquired with the help of donations and contributions from Gandhi's
followers and sympathizers. It soon became the headquarters of the Indian
independence movement and the epicenter of Gandhian thought and action.

2. Early Years and Development

In the early years, the ashram was modest, consisting of a few huts and basic
amenities. Gandhi called it the “Satyagraha Ashram,” as it was intended to be the
training ground for Satyagrahis—those committed to truth and nonviolence.

People from diverse backgrounds, castes, and communities joined the ashram to
learn and live according to Gandhian principles. Here, Gandhi conducted
experiments in simple living, vegetarianism, self-purification, spinning, and khadi
production. The ashram also hosted activities like agriculture, animal husbandry,
education, and manual labor, aimed at creating a self-sufficient community.

3. Ideological Significance

Sabarmati Ashram was not just a physical space but a laboratory of social reform
and nation-building. It became the practical embodiment of Gandhi’s ideas of
Swaraj (self-rule), Sarvodaya (welfare of all), and Ahimsa (nonviolence). Through
daily routines, prayer meetings, community work, and strict discipline, Gandhi and
his associates created a model of an ideal society.

It was here that Gandhi wrote many of his important works, including parts of his
autobiography “The Story of My Experiments with Truth.”

 Architectural Layout and Environment of Sabarmati Ashram:

1. Geographical Location and Surroundings

Sabarmati Ashram is situated on the banks of the Sabarmati River in Ahmedabad,

Gujarat. The location was carefully chosen by Mahatma Gandhi due to its serene
environment, which was ideal for contemplation, self-discipline, and community
living. The river added to the calmness and beauty of the place, and its proximity
to Ahmedabad city ensured connectivity without urban distractions.

2. Simple and Functional Design

The ashram's architecture reflects Gandhian values—simplicity, minimalism, and
utility. Unlike grand or decorative structures, the buildings were modest, made
using locally available materials like mud, brick, and wood. Each building served a
specific function while maintaining harmony with the natural surroundings.

 Some of the key structures within the ashram include:

Hriday Kunj: This was Gandhi’s personal residence. A small, one-room hut with
minimal furniture, it represents the simplicity of his lifestyle. Here, he lived with
Kasturba Gandhi and managed the day-to-day affairs of the ashram.

Magan Niwas: The residence of Maganlal Gandhi, Gandhi’s nephew and a devoted
follower. He managed the khadi production and was instrumental in designing the
charkha (spinning wheel).

Upasana Mandir (Prayer Ground): A central open space where the ashram
residents and visitors gathered every morning and evening for prayers, hymns, and
spiritual reflection.
Vinoba Kutir and Mira Kutir: Small huts named after two of Gandhi’s close
associates—Vinoba Bhave and Madeleine Slade (Mira Behn), who lived in the
ashram for a period.
Nandini Guest House: Used to accommodate guests and visiting dignitaries from
India and abroad who came to interact with Gandhi.

3. Self-sufficiency and Eco-consciousness

The layout of the ashram was designed to support self-reliance. There were open
spaces for spinning, weaving, farming, and even cow-rearing. Water was sourced
from nearby wells and the Sabarmati River. All waste was reused or recycled in
line with Gandhi’s belief in sustainable living.
The environment of the ashram was both practical and spiritual. It provided a quiet
setting for inner growth while being a center of revolutionary activity. This unique
blend made the Sabarmati Ashram not just a place to live, but a space to evolve.

 Life at Sabarmati Ashram

1. Daily Routine and Discipline

Life at Sabarmati Ashram was based on a strict daily schedule, emphasizing

discipline, simplicity, and spiritual development. The day began early with
morning prayers, often including recitations from Hindu, Muslim, Christian, and
other religious texts to promote communal harmony.

After prayers, residents engaged in manual work such as spinning on the charkha,
cleaning the premises, or working in the fields. This was followed by communal
meals, prepared and served by the ashramites themselves. Gandhi believed that
physical labor was essential to self-purification and character building.

Afternoons were reserved for study, discussions, and writing. Evenings concluded
with another prayer session, often accompanied by bhajans (devotional songs) and
reflections on moral and ethical issues.

2. Principles and Values Practiced

The ashram functioned on eleven vows (Ekadasha Vratas) that all members were
expected to follow. These vows reflected Gandhi’s deep commitment to spiritual
and ethical living. Some of the key vows included:

Satya (Truth) – Upholding truth in thought, word, and deed.

Ahimsa (Nonviolence) – Avoiding harm to any living being.

Brahmacharya (Celibacy) – Practicing self-restraint and purity of thought.

Aparigraha (Non-possession) – Renouncing material wealth.

Sharir-shram (Bread-labor) – Earning livelihood through physical labor.

Swadeshi (Use of local goods) – Promoting Indian-made goods and rejecting

foreign products.

Asvada (Control of the palate) – Eating simple, healthy food with discipline.
These principles governed every aspect of life in the ashram, creating a moral
framework for personal and collective growth.

3. Community Living and Equality

Sabarmati Ashram was a casteless and classless society. People of all backgrounds
—rich and poor, upper and lower caste, men and women—lived together with
dignity and respect. Gandhi emphasized equality, cooperation, and mutual service.
Tasks like cleaning toilets, cooking, and washing were shared among all members,
including Gandhi himself. This not only promoted humility but also challenged the
prevailing caste discrimination, particularly against the so-called "untouchables"
(whom Gandhi called Harijans or "children of God").

4. Educational and Productive Activities

The ashram promoted self-reliance through education and work. Residents were
taught to spin and weave khadi, farm organically, cook, and craft simple tools.
Education was not limited to books; it included moral instruction, physical labor,
and character development.

Gandhi believed that true education should combine intellectual, physical, and
spiritual development. His idea of Nai Talim (Basic Education) later emerged from
these ashram experiments.

 Gandhian Experiments and Ideals at Sabarmati Ashram:

1. Laboratory of Truth and Nonviolence

Sabarmati Ashram was not just a residence or political headquarters—it was

Gandhi’s laboratory for social and moral experiments. Central to these experiments
were the ideals of Satya (truth) and Ahimsa (nonviolence). Gandhi believed that
living truthfully and without violence could transform individuals and society.
He tested these ideals in daily life—resolving conflicts through peaceful means,
speaking only the truth, and promoting harmony among all religions and castes.
These values became the foundation of the Indian independence movement under
his leadership.

2. Satyagraha: The Power of Truth

One of Gandhi’s most influential contributions to world thought was Satyagraha,

which means "holding firmly to truth." This method of nonviolent resistance was
developed and practiced at Sabarmati Ashram. Gandhi believed that true strength
lies not in physical force but in moral courage.
Through Satyagraha, he led numerous peaceful protests against unjust laws,
including:

The Non-Cooperation Movement

The Salt Satyagraha (Dandi March)

Various strikes and civil disobedience campaigns
Ashram residents were trained in Satyagraha before participating in such
movements, emphasizing discipline, sacrifice, and self-control.

3. Brahmacharya and Spiritual Purity

Gandhi’s practice of Brahmacharya (celibacy) was not only physical
but also mental and spiritual. He believed that self-control over desires could lead
to greater moral clarity and spiritual strength. At Sabarmati, he encouraged a
lifestyle of simplicity—modest clothing, vegetarian diet, manual labor, and
meditation.
This discipline extended to his personal life and relationships, including
controversial experiments where he tested his own commitment to celibacy. While
some of these practices sparked debate, they were part of his honest search for
truth and self-mastery.
4. Swadeshi and Khadi Movement
Gandhi believed that economic independence was essential for political
freedom. Thus, he launched the Khadi movement from Sabarmati Ashram. He
promoted spinning and weaving as a national duty to boycott British goods and
revive India’s rural economy. Residents of the ashram wore hand-spun, hand-
woven khadi, and spinning became a spiritual act. It symbolized self-reliance,
national unity, and resistance to colonial exploitation.

5. Constructive Work Program

Gandhi advocated for constructive work—building up Indian society
from the grassroots. At Sabarmati Ashram, this included:

 Village sanitation

 Women’s empowerment

 Education of children and adults

 Eradication of untouchability

 Promotion of communal harmony

These programs were aimed at preparing Indians not just to oppose British rule,
but to build a better, more just society after independence.

 Major Movements Launched from Sabarmati Ashram:

1. Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–22)
Sabarmati Ashram played a central role in organizing and mobilizing the
Non-Cooperation Movement, which was Gandhi’s first mass movement after
returning from South Africa. Gandhi urged Indians to boycott British schools,
courts, titles, and foreign goods. The aim was to make British rule ungovernable
through peaceful non-participation.
Ashram residents actively participated by:
Spreading the message of nonviolence and truth
Promoting swadeshi (indigenous goods) and khadi
Educating the masses about civil rights and national unity

Though the movement was suspended after the Chauri Chaura incident, it marked
the beginning of mass civil disobedience in India.

2. Salt Satyagraha and the Dandi March (1930)

One of the most iconic events in Indian history, the Salt March began
from Sabarmati Ashram on 12 March 1930. Gandhi, along with 78 followers,
marched 240 miles to the coastal village of Dandi to protest the British monopoly
on salt. The Salt Satyagraha was a turning point in the freedom struggle:
It united people from all sections of society. It attracted international attention to
British injustice in India. It marked a new wave of nonviolent resistance.
Before leaving, Gandhi declared that he would not return to Sabarmati Ashram
until India attained Swaraj (self-rule). He never returned to live there again,
symbolizing the sacrifice and determination of the movement.

3. Civil Disobedience Movement (1930–34)

 The Salt March triggered a nationwide Civil Disobedience Movement,
where people across India:
Refused to pay taxes

Resigned from government posts

Broke colonial laws peacefully

Ashram-trained satyagrahis became leaders and volunteers. Gandhi’s message of

peaceful resistance, developed and nurtured at Sabarmati, guided these actions.
Many were imprisoned, including Gandhi himself, but the movement demonstrated
that India’s masses were ready to suffer and struggle for freedom.
4. Bardoli Satyagraha Support (1928)
Though the Bardoli Satyagraha was led by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel,
it received ideological and logistical support from Sabarmati Ashram. When
farmers in Bardoli (Gujarat) refused to pay unjust land taxes, Gandhi endorsed
their movement and offered Ashram support, reinforcing the idea of economic
justice through nonviolent resistance.

5. Promotion of Social Reforms

Apart from political campaigns, the Ashram was the base for social
reform: Fighting against untouchability through the Harijan campaign.
Promoting women’s education and participation in public life.
Encouraging rural upliftment through cleanliness drives, health care, and self-
employment initiatives.
These reforms were essential to Gandhi’s vision of Swaraj—not just freedom from
British rule, but freedom from social evils.
 Prominent Visitors and Residents of Sabarmati Ashram:

1. Mahatma Gandhi

The most significant resident of the Sabarmati Ashram was Mahatma Gandhi
himself. He lived here from 1917 to 1930 and transformed the ashram into a center
of national awakening. Gandhi’s thoughts, writings, and actions—particularly
those related to Satyagraha, nonviolence, and self-reliance—were deeply rooted in
the day-to-day life of the ashram. Many of his key works, including parts of his
autobiography, were written during his stay here.

2. Kasturba Gandhi

Kasturba Gandhi, the wife of Mahatma Gandhi, played a quiet but essential role in
ashram life. She participated in household chores, women's education, and social
reform programs. Her life at the ashram reflected the values of sacrifice, discipline,
and service.

3. Maganlal Gandhi

Maganlal Gandhi, Gandhi’s nephew, was an early and devoted follower. He

managed the ashram’s day-to-day affairs and played a key role in developing the
spinning wheel (charkha). He helped make khadi a powerful symbol of the
Swadeshi movement.

4. Vinoba Bhave
Acharya Vinoba Bhave, a spiritual disciple of Gandhi, was associated with the
ashram and later became the founder of the Bhoodan Movement (land gift
movement). His time at the ashram was spent in spiritual practice, education, and
preparing for a life of service.

5. Mirabehn (Madeleine Slade)

Mirabehn, born Madeleine Slade, was a British woman who became a devoted
follower of Gandhi. She adopted Indian customs, wore khadi, and lived at
Sabarmati Ashram to learn from Gandhi. Her transformation symbolized the
universal appeal of Gandhian philosophy.

6. Jawaharlal Nehru and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

Though not residents, Nehru and Patel frequently visited Sabarmati Ashram. They
held strategic discussions with Gandhi and participated in movements launched
from the ashram. Patel, in particular, maintained a close relationship with the
ashram, especially during the Bardoli Satyagraha.

7. International Visitors

Many global leaders, scholars, and peace activists visited the ashram to understand
Gandhi’s philosophy. Notable visitors included:
C.F. Andrews, a British priest and close friend of Gandhi
Margaret Sanger, an American social reformer
Representatives from the League of Nations and international peace organizations
These interactions helped spread Gandhi’s message of peace and justice around the
world.

7. Educational Role of Sabarmati Ashram

Sabarmati Ashram was not only a political center but also an educational hub.
Gandhi believed in Nai Talim (Basic Education), which emphasized learning
through handicrafts, self-sufficiency, and moral development rather than rote
memorization. The Ashram’s school focused on vocational training, spinning
khadi, and community service, promoting the dignity of labor and practical
knowledge (Nai Talim, 1937).

8. Community Life and Social Experiments

The Ashram functioned as a communal living space where people from different
castes, religions, and social backgrounds lived and worked together. This
challenged the rigid caste system prevalent at the time and aimed to foster
communal harmony and social equality. The residents practiced shared farming,
cleanliness drives, and simple living, embodying Gandhi’s ideal of a self-
sustaining village community (Parekh, 1997).

9. Women at Sabarmati Ashram

Women played a vital role at the Ashram, actively participating in spinning,

cleaning, and the freedom struggle. Gandhi emphasized women’s empowerment
through education and economic independence. Prominent female followers like
Kasturba Gandhi (Gandhi’s wife) and Mirabehn contributed significantly to the
Ashram’s activities and the broader movement (Forbes, 1996).

10. Influence Beyond India

Sabarmati Ashram inspired global leaders and movements advocating
nonviolence and civil rights. Leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson
Mandela drew from Gandhi’s philosophy practiced at the Ashram. The Ashram
continues to be a pilgrimage site for peace activists and scholars worldwide,
symbolizing universal values of justice and human dignity (Chaudhuri, 2008).

11. Challenges and Preservation

Over the years, preserving the Ashram’s original spirit and physical
structures has been a challenge amid urbanization and tourism growth. Efforts by
the Indian government and cultural organizations focus on conservation,
educational programs, and promoting Gandhian philosophy through workshops
and exhibitions (The Times of India, 2022).

12. The Dandi March and Sabarmati Ashram

Sabarmati Ashram is most famously known as the starting point of the
Dandi March on March 12, 1930. Gandhi, along with 78 followers, set out on a
240-mile march to the coastal village of Dandi to produce salt from seawater,
defying the British monopoly on salt production. This act of civil disobedience
became a symbol of resistance against colonial rule and inspired millions across
India to join the freedom struggle (Nanda, 1998).

13. Influence on Gandhi’s Lifestyle

 The Ashram reflected Gandhi’s personal philosophy of simple living
and high thinking. Gandhi lived in a modest one-room cottage called Hridaya
Kunj, where he practiced strict discipline, daily prayers, spinning khadi, and
vegetarianism. The Ashram’s lifestyle was a practical experiment in living the
values Gandhi preached to the world (Gandhi Smarak Sangrahalaya, n.d.).

14. The Ashram’s Role in Promoting Khadi

One of Gandhi’s major efforts at Sabarmati Ashram was the revival of
khadi—hand-spun and hand-woven cloth—as a symbol of Indian self-reliance and
resistance to British textiles. Residents were encouraged to spin yarn daily using
the charkha (spinning wheel), which also became a political statement against
industrial imports (Gupta, 2015).

15. Impact on Indian Villages

The Ashram’s focus on rural development and self-sufficiency influenced
Gandhi’s concept of Gram Swaraj (village self-rule). The activities and principles
practiced at Sabarmati served as a model for many village development programs
across India, emphasizing local economy, sanitation, and education (Parekh, 1997).

16. The Ashram’s International Visitors

Over the decades, Sabarmati Ashram has attracted numerous international
visitors and dignitaries inspired by Gandhi’s philosophy, including Jawaharlal
Nehru, Albert Einstein, and Martin Luther King Jr. Many came to learn about
Gandhian principles firsthand and to seek inspiration for their own movements
(Chaudhuri, 2008).

17. Gandhi’s Departure and Legacy

 In May 1930, after the Salt March, Gandhi was arrested by British
authorities. He was released in 1931 but later left Sabarmati Ashram in 1933 to
travel and spread his message across India. Despite leaving, the Ashram remained
a symbol of his struggle and ideals (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2023).

18. Annual Events and Celebrations

Sabarmati Ashram hosts various events to commemorate Gandhi’s life,
including Gandhi Jayanti on October 2nd, which is celebrated with prayer
meetings, spinning activities.

19. The Ashram’s Library and Archives

Sabarmati Ashram houses one of the largest collections of Gandhi’s
writings, letters, and photographs. The library contains over 35,000 books related
to Gandhi, Indian history, philosophy, and the freedom struggle. These archives are
invaluable for researchers and historians studying Gandhian thought and the Indian
independence movement (Gandhi Smarak Sangrahalaya, n.d.).

20. Role in Promoting Social Reforms

Apart from political activism, the Ashram played a key role in promoting
social reforms such as the abolition of untouchability, women’s rights, and
communal harmony. Gandhi and his followers worked to eliminate caste
discrimination by allowing people from all backgrounds to live and work together
in the Ashram (Gupta, 2015).

21. The Ashram as a Symbol of Nonviolence

 Sabarmati Ashram remains a global symbol of Ahimsa, or
nonviolence. Gandhi’s methods of peaceful protest, negotiation, and civil
disobedience that were nurtured here have inspired movements for civil rights and
freedom worldwide (Chaudhuri, 2008).

22. The Ashram’s Gardens and Farming Practices

The Ashram emphasized a close relationship with nature. Its gardens and
farming plots were maintained by residents, focusing on organic farming and self-
sustaining food production. This was part of Gandhi’s vision for an ecologically
balanced lifestyle that modern society can still learn from (Parekh, 1997).

23. International Gandhi Peace Prize

The Indian government instituted the Gandhi Peace Prize in 1995 to
honor individuals and organizations contributing to social, economic, and political
transformation through nonviolent means. The prize reflects the enduring influence
of the ideals practiced at Sabarmati Ashram (Government of India, 1995).

24. Influence on Modern Indian Politics

The Ashram’s teachings continue to influence Indian political leaders
who advocate for social justice, rural development, and ethical governance. Many
politicians and activists visit the Ashram to reaffirm their commitment to Gandhian
values (The Hindu, 2024).

25. Architectural Significance

 The Ashram’s buildings reflect simplicity and functionality. Designed to
blend with the natural surroundings, the architecture avoids extravagance and
emphasizes humility, reflecting Gandhi’s principle of living with minimal material
possessions (Correa, 1963).

 Conclusion and Bibliography :

 Conclusion :
Sabarmati Ashram is more than a historical site; it is a monument to the power of
truth and moral courage. It shaped the Indian freedom movement and gave the
world a new model of non-violent resistance. As we face modern challenges,
Gandhiji’s legacy from Sabarmati continues to remind us of the importance of
justice, peace, and community service.

 Bibliography:

1. Gandhi, M.K. – The Story of My Experiments with Truth

2. Sabarmati Ashram Official Website – sabarmati.org

3. Tendulkar, D.G. – Mahatma: Life of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi

4. Articles from The Hindu, Times of India, and Gandhi Heritage Portal

5. NCERT History Books and B.Ed Reference Materials.

REFERENCE:
1. Correa, C. (1963). Gandhi Smarak Sangrahalaya [Museum]. Ahmedabad,
India.

2. Encyclopedia Britannica. (2023). Sabarmati Ashram. Retrieved from

https://www.britannica.com/place/Sabarmati-Ashram

3. Gandhi Ashram Official Website. (n.d.). History of Sabarmati Ashram.

Retrieved from http://www.gandhiashramsabarmati.org

4. Gandhi Smarak Sangrahalaya. (n.d.). Archives and collections. Retrieved from

http://www.gandhiashramsabarmati.org

5. Gujarat Tourism. (n.d.). Sabarmati Ashram. Retrieved from

https://www.gujarattourism.com/central-zone/ahmedabad/sabarmati-
ashram.html

6. Gupta, R. (2015). The Social Philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi. New Delhi:

Academic Press.

7. Nanda, B. R. (1998). Mahatma Gandhi: A Biography. Oxford University Press.

8. The Hindu. (2024, March 12). Sabarmati Ashram redevelopment

inaugurated…
Books & Print References:

1. Nanda, B. R. (1998). Mahatma Gandhi: A Biography. Oxford University Press.

A comprehensive biography that provides insights into Gandhi’s life and his time
at Sabarmati Ashram.

2. Parekh, B. (1997). Gandhi’s Political Philosophy: A Critical Examination.

University of Notre Dame Press.

3. Gupta, R. (2015). The Social Philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi. New Delhi:

Academic Press.
Focuses on the social reforms initiated by Gandhi, including those at the Ashram.

4. Forbes, G. (1996). Women in Modern India. Cambridge University Press.

Includes information about women’s participation in the freedom movement and
their role in the Ashram.

5. Chaudhuri, A. (2008). Gandhi’s Legacy and Global Nonviolence. New York:

Global Peace Press:

1. Nanda, B. R. (1998). Mahatma Gandhi: A Biography. Oxford University Press.
A comprehensive biography that provides insights into Gandhi’s life and his time
at Sabarmati Ashram.

2. Parekh, B. (1997). Gandhi’s Political Philosophy: A Critical Examination.

University of Notre Dame Press.
Discusses Gandhi's social and political experiments, many of which were practiced
at Sabarmati.

3. Gupta, R. (2015). The Social Philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi. New Delhi:

Academic Press.
Focuses on the social reforms initiated by Gandhi, including those at the Ashram.

4. Forbes, G. (1996). Women in Modern India. Cambridge University Press.

Includes information about women’s participation in the freedom movement and
their role in the Ashram.

5. Chaudhuri, A. (2008). Gandhi’s Legacy and Global Nonviolence. New York:

Global Peace Press.
Explores the international impact of Gandhi’s work starting from Sabarmati
Ashram.

Online References:
6. Gandhi Ashram Official Website – http://www.gandhiashramsabarmati.org
Official site with historical information, photos, and updates.

7. Gujarat Tourism – Sabarmati Ashram – https://www.gujarattourism.com

Offers a tourist's perspective with historical context and current activities.

8.Encyclopedia Britannica – Sabarmati Ashram –

https://www.britannica.com/place/Sabarmati-Ashram
Reliable background on the Ashram’s foundation and role in the Indian
independence movement.

9. The Hindu – "Sabarmati Ashram redevelopment inaugurated..."

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/sabarmati-ashram-redevelopment/
article65243812.ece
Article on recent developments and preservation efforts.

10. Times of India – "Preserving Sabarmati Ashram..."

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/preserving-sabarmati-
ashram/articleshow/89521156.cms