Gandhi Ashram Memorial: Prime Minister Narendra Modi summarized the government’s commitment to restoring old structures to their original condition and expressed the importance of preserving traditional construction methods so that future generations can understand and appreciate their historical value.
On the anniversary of the historic Dandi Yatra on March 12, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the ₹1,200 crore Gandhi Ashram Memorial masterplan at Sabarmati in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The event also marked the opening of the redeveloped Kochrab Ashram.
Preserving Heritage and Critique of Past Administrations
Addressing the gathering, PM Modi emphasized the importance of cherishing the country’s heritage and criticized past administrations for neglecting the nation’s heritage due to a lack of mindset and political will.
Significance of Sabarmati Ashram
PM Modi highlighted the significance of Mahatma Gandhi’s Sabarmati Ashram, stating that it is not only a national but also a global heritage site. He drew attention to the transformation of the ashram, which had dwindled to 5 acres from its original 120 acres, with only 36 out of 63 buildings remaining.
Government’s Commitment to Restoration
The prime minister outlined the government’s commitment to restoring old buildings to their original form, aiming to eliminate the need for new constructions.
He stressed the importance of maintaining traditional construction methods for future generations to appreciate the historical significance of the site.
Community Involvement and Expansion
PM Modi commended families residing within the Sabarmati Ashram premises for their role in enabling the government to secure 55 acres of land for redevelopment, marking a significant step in the expansion of the iconic site.
Alignment with Gandhi’s Vision
Highlighting Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of Gram Swaraj and a self-reliant India, PM Modi linked government initiatives such as ‘Vocal for Local’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ to Bapu’s dreams.
He cited the success of natural farming in Gujarat and emphasized the empowerment of women in economic activities.
Progress and Development
PM Modi credited government policies for lifting 25 crore people out of poverty in the last decade. He expressed confidence in Mahatma Gandhi’s blessings for these efforts and noted ongoing national development across various sectors, from land to space.
