Ahmedabad, March 12 - Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking at the Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad, emphasized the historical significance of the site, calling it not just a national heritage but a global one. He urged the 140 crore Indians to take responsibility for preserving the ashram, highlighting its crucial role in India's freedom struggle.
The Prime Minister praised the cooperation of the Ashram residents in reclaiming 55 acres of Ashram land and expressed his commitment to maintaining all buildings in their original form. He lamented the neglect faced by the ashram, which had once spanned 120 acres but had dwindled to just 5 acres, with only 36 out of 63 buildings remaining and a mere 3 open to visitors.
Modi attributed this neglect to a lack of political will, colonial mentality, and appeasement, stating that such monuments had suffered for too long. On the occasion of Dandi March Day, he participated in the 'Ashram Bhoomi Vandana' program and inaugurated the Mahatma Gandhi Sabarmati Ashram Redevelopment Project, along with the redeveloped Kochrab Ashram.
The Prime Minister paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi's statue and visited 'Hriday Kunj', Gandhiji's residence in the Ashram. He also toured an exhibition showcasing the redevelopment project and planted saplings on the premises. Modi described the ashram as a vibrant center of energy, embodying Bapu's inspiration and values of truth, non-violence, and service to the nation.
Reflecting on the historic significance of March 12, Modi noted that it marked the beginning of the Dandi March, a pivotal moment in India's freedom struggle. He recalled the 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav' launched from the ashram on March 12, 2022, which had united the nation in honoring its martyrs.
The Prime Minister highlighted the success of the 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav,' with over 3 crore people taking the oath of Panch Pran and various initiatives undertaken to promote patriotism and conservation efforts. He also discussed the redevelopment of other historical and religious sites, such as Kashi Vishwanath Dham and Shri Ram Janmabhoomi in Ayodhya.
Modi praised Gujarat for its efforts in heritage conservation and announced plans for the redevelopment of places associated with India's freedom struggle, including Rajpath and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. He concluded by stating that the redevelopment of Sabarmati Ashram was a crucial step towards preserving India's heritage for future generations.
