Sabarmati Ashram

Sabarmati Ashram Review

Born in Gujarat, Mahatma Gandhi established his simple retreat, called the Satyagraha (literally, "seizing truth"), here when he returned from South Africa in 1915. In those days, it was close to a British-run jail from which Gandhi hoped to seek inspiration to motivate his struggle (he was imprisoned there as well). The ashram, which eventually became the nerve center of the Indian independence movement, occupies a tranquil spot on the bank of the Sabarmati River just outside the city center. From here, in 1930, Gandhi and 79 followers began the 24-mi march to the seacoast at Dandi to protest the British salt tax, galvanizing the movement that brought India independence after World War II. After the salt march, Gandhi swore never to return to Sabarmati until India gained independence. The main, open-air building houses exhibits, including a photo display documenting Gandhi's life and work (the archives here contain some 30,000 letters written by Gandhi and 6,000 photographs). The grounds also give a deep, if less tangible, impression of Gandhi's legacy: under shade trees on the lawns, students and others come to talk quietly or reflect on the history of this place and on modern India. When you sign the register in the humble cottage where Gandhi lived, your name will share the pages with those of Nelson Mandela and other dignitaries and peace workers who come to pay homage to the father of modern India.