Revealing the Mahatma's story
The Ashram holds the Mahatma’s experiences alive through its various museums. Step inside the iconic walls of the Gandhi Memorial Museum, inaugurated in 1963. Designed by the acclaimed architect Charles Correa, the museum itself is a work of art, seamlessly blending modern architecture with the spirit of the Ashram. Inside, three distinct galleries await you, each offering a captivating window into the life and legacy of Mahatma Gandhi, popularly addressed as Bapu.
‘The Gandhi in Ahmedabad Gallery’ takes you on a chronological journey through the pivotal events in Mahatma Gandhi's life that unfolded within Ahmedabad's walls (1915-1930). Witness the establishment of the Kochrab Ashram, the historic mill workers' strike, and the launch of the Dandi Salt March, all through a series of 50 hand-drawn panels presented in a question-and-answer format.
Immerse yourself in a visual biography of Mahatma Gandhi at the ‘My Life is My Message Gallery’. Over 250 photographs, meticulously organized in seven sections, narrate his story – from his early days in Porbandar to his relentless pursuit of freedom and his tragic assassination in 1948. Accompanying quotes from original texts offer deeper insights into the man behind the movement.
At the Painting Gallery you can admire eight captivating portraits of Bapu by local artists, Chandulal Shah and Hiralal Khatri. These paintings, created in the 1960s, capture Gandhi Ji in various moments of his life – marching, spinning cloth, and meditating. The gallery also houses a unique portrait of Gandhiji made entirely of groundnut shells, showcasing the creativity and dedication of its maker, Shri Rajkishore Kapoor.
Exploring the sites of Sabarmati Ashram
Sabarmati Ashram is a place where history comes alive. As you wander through the grounds, each building tells a story about Gandhiji's life and his work. Hriday Kunj, Gandhiji's home - The first thing that will strike you is the simplicity of this place where the revered Indian leader of a national movement resided. There are no embellished furnishings in his home. The rooms have bare walls, be it the room where he met with national leaders to discuss strategies for the Indian freedom struggle or his wife’s bedroom or even the kitchen. Imagine Indian and British leaders discussing the future of a country while sitting in his minimalist workplace with just a humble desk, a few mats on the floor and his beloved spinning wheel. Gandhiji’s home reflected his belief that power does not come from the outside, it is what is inside that makes one powerful.
Imagine the dedication of Bapu's nephew Maganlal Gandhi as you see his house, Magan Niwas, and learn about his innovative charkha designs. Step into Vinoba Mira Kutir that housed both a devoted follower, Vinoba Bhave, and Mira Behn, a woman from Britain inspired by Gandhiji's ideals. Nandini, the guest house, bustled with activity as prominent figures like Rabindranath Tagore and Jawaharlal Nehru stayed there. Udyog Mandir, meaning "temple of industry," was filled with sounds of the spinning wheels of charkhas used to produce Khadi. Somnath Chhatralaya, a large dormitory, accommodated students and participants actively involved in the Ashram's work. Finally, Upasana Mandir, the prayer hall, provided a space for quiet reflection and spiritual guidance through Gandhiji's discourses. Each site offers a glimpse into the remarkable community that lived and worked here, all playing their part in India's fight for freedom.
