SABARMATI ASHRAM Syllabus GS Paper 1 – History)

Context: Recently, commemorating the 94th anniversary of the Dandi March originating from the Sabarmati Ashram, Prime Minister Narendra Modi conducted the 'Ashram Bhoomi Vandana', symbolically laying the foundation stone.

Sabarmati Ashram

• About: It also known as Gandhi Ashram, is situated in the Sabarmati suburb of Ahmedabad, Gujarat, adjacent to Ashram Road, alongside the banks of the River Sabarmati, approximately 4 miles (6.4 km) from the town hall.
• Twelve-Year Stay with Kasturba Gandhi and Followers: Gandhi, along with his wife Kasturba Gandhi and followers like Vinoba Bhave, lived in Sabarmati and Wardha for a cumulative period of twelve years, fostering principles of truth and non-violence.
• Significance of Dandi March: Gandhi initiated the historic Dandi March, also known as Salt Satyagraha, from Sabarmati Ashram on 12 March 1930, a pivotal event in India's struggle for independence, leading to the establishment of the Ashram as a national monument.
• Establishment of Gandhi's First Ashram in India: Gandhi's inaugural Ashram in India was established in the Kochrab area of Ahmedabad on 25 May 1915, marking a significant milestone in his journey of activism and social reform.

Masterplan for the Sabarmati Ashram

• About: The proposed masterplan aims to restore, conserve, and rebuild approximately half of the 63 structures originally present in the Sabarmati Ashram, spanning 120 acres of land along the Sabarmati River.
• Prepared by: Ahmedabad-based HCP Design, Planning and Management Pvt Ltd (HCPDPM), under the guidance of Bimal Patel, the masterplan seeks to revitalize the historical significance of the ashram.
• Focus on Historical Preservation: Out of the 63 original structures, the plan prioritizes the restoration of 36 buildings, aiming to preserve the cultural and historical heritage associated with the ashram.