Gujarat Hardlook: Inside the Rs 1,200-cr ‘rebirth’ of Sabarmati Ashram
Gandhi Ashram Redevelopment Project is transforming the historic site into a five-acre space that breathes life into Mahatma Gandhi's story for visitors. The project, funded with Rs 1,200 crores, aims to restore most of the original ashram buildings. It also seeks to create museums, activities, and experiences within the 55-acre area to engage visitors on the journey of a barrister who transformed into a Mahatma while fighting for India's independence.
A key feature of the revamped area is the Five Acres Frozen in Time, where visitors can walk the house where Gandhi and his wife Kasturba once resided. This house, now marking Gandhi Jayanti with an all-faith prayer meeting, still holds great significance for locals like 104-year-old Vijaybhai Joshi, who resumed his daily routine of walking and sharing his thoughts on Gandhi.
The redevelopment process includes restoring 28 buildings and developing 24 museums, transforming the gaushala, where cows were once reared, into an artisan workshop for traditional crafts like coir fiber plinth making and lippan plaster, all while preserving the essence of Gandhi's life and principles.
Written by urgent.news from The Indian Express's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
