In a world filled with thousands of concerns, sometimes we need a bit of peace and tranquillity. During our trip to Gujarat, we had a lot of fun, but there was always some work or the other. There was one day on the trip that stood out in my memory. It was the journey on the first day to the Sabarmati Ashram, a patriotic start to our adventures in Gujarat.
Now, a bit of backstory. Around December 2022, we received an email stating that we had won the Kuwait Children's Science Congress, a science project competition. We would have to participate in the National Children's Science Congress. So, we packed our things and headed to the airport, where I first met my other teammates. We discussed our projects and boarded the flight. Around 6 hours later, we boarded the shuttle bus and reached Sardar Vallabai Patel International Airport, but we were there for the competition and sightseeing.
Now here are some quick facts, the Sabarmati Ashram was one of the many homes of Gandhi, where he lived with his wife for twelve years in Sabarmati, also known as Wardha. Gandhi led the Dandi March, also known as the Salt Satyagraha, as a part of the Indian independence movement. The ashram was a national monument, in the eyes of the Indian government, due to the importance of Gandhi in the National Movement. According to our tour guide, the Ashram is involved in several activities that serve to both preserve the history of Gandhi and the freedom struggle and also to educate people about the great philosophies, values and teachings of Gandhi.
Gandhi established the ashram as a religious community that would strive for truth and serve as a base for workers committed to nonviolence and self-sufficiency. He also founded a school in the ashram, where students could receive education in literacy, agriculture, and manual labour to aid India's quest for independence from British rule.
When I stepped into the ashram, I felt patriotic about the efforts taken by Gandhi during the freedom struggle. The Ashram is truly a representation of peace and tranquillity. It was filled with greenery and was home to parrots. When we enter the museum section, we see photographs, letters, posters and paintings related to the stories of Gandiji’s life. There are places where these events in Gandhi's life are arranged chronologically. I even spotted a mongoose next to the Sabarmati riverfront. There was also the Udyog Mandir; this is where Gandhi initiated the weaving of Khadi Fabrics, where we saw many types of charka. But the main attraction was the model of Gandhi at the centre and his home, our tour guide explained about the place in detail.
He was a person who believed that everyone could change and that non-violence was the way to independence. The place truly represents that he was a leader and wanted peace in the nation, and my experience made me realise that.
Dear reader, I hope you found the story fascinating and memorable. Although there is much more I could share, I don't want to make it painfully long. As I move forward towards a brighter future, I'll keep this essay as a recollection of my memories. Regardless, I enjoyed the journey, and that's what matters. This concludes another chapter, my dear friends. I look forward to seeing you next time.
Bye.