During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Ahmedabad, Gujarat, on March 12, he will perform "Ashram Bhoomi Vandana" and present the Sabarmati Ashram Memorial Project's master plan.
According to a government statement on Sunday, the project, which has a budget of Rs 1,200 crore, intends to revive Mahatma Gandhi's teachings and philosophy for the current and upcoming generations.
The project is an ambitious one that would upgrade the Sabarmati Ashram's surrounding infrastructure, offer tourists cutting-edge amenities, and create a world-class memorial honouring the Father of the Nation, according to the statement.
As per the announcement, the master plan calls for the restoration of 36 existing buildings and the expansion of the ashram, which Mahatma Gandhi founded in 1917 on the banks of the Sabarmati River in Ahmedabad, from its current five acres to a 55-acre site.
Sabarmati Ashram was known as the political-cultural city of the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Patel. This is the place where Mahatma Gandhi lived with his wife Kasturba Gandhi for twelve years. Whenever there is any discussion regarding freedom struggle, the topic of Sabarmati Ashram comes up. The importance of this ashram lies in the fact that it was from there that Gandhiji led the Dandi March on March 12, 1930, which is known as the Salt Satyagraha. Gandhiji and his followers started the Dandi March from Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi, located 241 miles away from Sabarmati. Because of this, the ashram is now considered a national monument. So, let's know how to get here.
How to reach Sabarmati Ashram?
To visit Sabarmati Ashram you have to travel to Ahmedabad. Sabarmati Ashram is at a distance of 8 kilometres away from Ahmedabad. So, you have to first reach Ahmedabad from any part of India via road, air and train and then travel to Sabarmati from there by hiring local taxis, cabs, buses and autorickshaws.
Entry fees and timings
Sabarmati Ashram opens at 8:30 am and it remains open till 6:30 pm every day. For entering the ashram there is no charge; however, if a large group of people plan to visit the ashram then they must inform the ashram staff beforehand to avail a guided tour.
What is there to visit in Sabarmati Ashram?
Sabarmati Ashram is divided into different sections like Magan Niwas, Hriday Kunj, Gandhi Memorial Museum, Vinobha Meera Kutir, Udyog Mandir, Somnath Chhatralay and Upasana Mandir. Gandhi Memorial Museum is one of the major attractions for history lovers visiting the Ashram. The museum was designed by renowned Indian architect Charles Mark Correa and was inaugurated by Jawaharlal Nehru in 1963.
You can also see around 50, hand-crafted panels depicting major events of Gandhiji's life in the Ahmedabad Gallery. You can also see more than 250 photos of his life in the museum's gallery. Apart from this, you can visit the painting gallery, library and archives, where you can see Gandhiji's diary. You can buy some books and souvenirs from the museum shop like postcards, Charkha models, key chains, pen drives, stationery, figurines, etc.
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