Sabarmati Ashram is not a pleasant sight. Gives the impression of a place abandoned by its patrons and benefactors alike. A place wrapped in a time bubble! A memory stuck somewhere between two dimensions. A reality that existed only ephermally, in presence of a man who never belonged.
And yet, it has so much to offer to a student of modern Indian history. A place designed for a frugal and austere life style, in the image of its master and for people who cherished his values.
What I like most about the place is its thoughtfully planned galleries and exhibits that add so much to our understanding of the man and the role he came to play in history. Passing through these exhibits and galleries is like a short journey back in time when you become a witness to those frightfully eventful days. I am glad, had couple of hours after the day’s work and could visit the place again.
Two trivia for this round of my journey:
In one of the notes on exhibit, explaining the choice of the location for the Asharam, Gandhi jokes that the attraction of this place was its vicinity to Sabarmati jail, given the affection that Satyagrahis have for prison! Continue to read and the note adds that on the other side of this place was a crematorium. Just wondering, if the selection was so deliberate!!
2nd is a letter by Gandhi to Sarojini Naidu. A look at the address at the bottom of the second page brought an unintended smile to my lips. No questioning the sincerity or patriotism of the poetess, just that sometimes your mind gets bit naughty. The address reads: Smt Sarojini Naidu, Tajmahal Hotel, Mumbai.
And yet, it has so much to offer to a student of modern Indian history. A place designed for a frugal and austere life style, in the image of its master and for people who cherished his values.
What I like most about the place is its thoughtfully planned galleries and exhibits that add so much to our understanding of the man and the role he came to play in history. Passing through these exhibits and galleries is like a short journey back in time when you become a witness to those frightfully eventful days. I am glad, had couple of hours after the day’s work and could visit the place again.
Two trivia for this round of my journey:
In one of the notes on exhibit, explaining the choice of the location for the Asharam, Gandhi jokes that the attraction of this place was its vicinity to Sabarmati jail, given the affection that Satyagrahis have for prison! Continue to read and the note adds that on the other side of this place was a crematorium. Just wondering, if the selection was so deliberate!!
2nd is a letter by Gandhi to Sarojini Naidu. A look at the address at the bottom of the second page brought an unintended smile to my lips. No questioning the sincerity or patriotism of the poetess, just that sometimes your mind gets bit naughty. The address reads: Smt Sarojini Naidu, Tajmahal Hotel, Mumbai.
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