Mahatma Gandhi's Sabarmati Ashram - A place for 'patriotic pilgrimage'

On 15th Sep 2009, I had the opportunity of visiting Sabarmati Ashram, in the outskirts of Ahmadabad. Mahatma Gandhi lived in this Ashram from 1918 to 1930. Many major decisions relating to freedom movement were taken at this place in those time. Great people like Acharya Vinoba Bhave and Miraben lived in this Ashram. This Ashram is in the banks of river Sabarmati.

Mahatma Gandhi started his famous Dandi March, which is popularly known as Salt Satyagraha in 1930 only from this Ashram. Dandi March created great awareness amongst Indians against British Rule and more than 60,000 freedom fighters were arrested by then British Government. Dandi March was a mile stone in Indian freedom struggle, which forced British to quit India.

What a simple life Mahatma was living in this Ashram. The visitors room, his personal room, kitchen and guest room are all maintained in the same condition, as it was earlier. The huts where Vinobaji and Miraben were living were too simple. The Ashram had around 70 inmates when Gandhiji was there. They have displayed the rules governing the inmates in original. What a simple life they were living.

This Ashram was opened for public by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru in 1963. Lot of pictures and the materials used by Mahatma are displayed in galleries.

It was so exciting for me to sit and meditate in the place where Mahatma was living and set his foot. For anyone dreaming a great India by 2020, Sabarmati is a place for 'patriotic pilgrimage'.