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During his stay at the ashram, Gandhiji established a tertiary school with emphasis on manual labor, farming, and literacy, to further his mission for the self-sufficiency of the nation. It was also from this place that on 12th March 1930 Gandhi walked to Dandi, 241 miles away from the ashram, with 78 followers in protest against the British Salt Law, which raised the duty on Indian salt in a bid to encourage sales of British salt in India. It was this march and the illegal manufacture of salt that followed (Gandhi boiled some salty mud in seawater) that encouraged hundreds of thousands of people throughout India to participate in the illegal manufacture, purchase, or sale of salt. This act of mass civil disobedience in turn resulted in the imprisonment of some 60,000 by the British Raj during the next three weeks. The government later took over the ashram. 

Gandhi subsequently requested that the Government return it but they refused. Up to 22 July 1933, he had already resolved to close the ashram down, which now stood as a deserted place ever since so many had been detained. Local people then decided to save it. 

On 12 March 1930, Gandhi pledged that he would not visit the ashram again until India had achieved independence and Gandhi never returned to Sabarmati ashram. Gandhi was assassinated on 30 January 1948 Sabarmati Ashram, located in the heart of the bustling and dynamic city life of Ahmedabad, is a wonderful retreat replete with a sense of tranquility, a rich history, and firm inspiration.

As a traveler navigating your way through the vibrant and colorful city of Ahmedabad, there is one specific location that you simply cannot afford to miss – and that is none other than the legendary and historically renowned Sabarmati Ashram. This sacred location is the proud recipient of the honor of having been the historical home of the great and revered Mahatma Gandhi, and it was an irrefutably influential location as a key player in the glorious days of the Indian freedom struggle. 

Situated on the serene and peaceful banks of the Sabarmati River, the ashram itself exudes an intense atmosphere replete with peace, simplicity, and an unbreakable sense of resilience that is impossible to ignore. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a curious traveler interested in uncovering the secrets of the past, or simply an individual looking for a peaceful moment of respite amidst the dynamic and vibrant life of the city, this remarkable and outstanding location undoubtedly has something truly special in store for anyone who takes the time to visit and explore it.

A Thoughtful and Reflective Look Back into the Historical Events and Significant Days of the Far Distant Past
The Sabarmati Ashram, a historic site of great importance, was established in 1917, a pivotal year following Mahatma Gandhi's illustrious return to India after spending years abroad in South Africa. He had a visionary dream of creating a retreat where he would live a simple life and completely dedicate himself to the principles of self-sufficiency as well as the unwavering search for truth.

This ashram soon became the center of gravity for many crucial events that played a pivotal role in the Indian struggle for freedom from colonial occupation. One such pivotal event was the historic Dandi March of 1930. This march was Gandhi's bold and defiant challenge to the repressive British salt tax and thus a pivotal moment in the greater narrative of India's struggle for freedom and independence from colonial occupation. 

What are those popular and famous places that one must not miss a visit while visiting the historic Sabarmati Ashram?

Hriday Kunj – Gandhi's Home
This is the simple yet surprisingly sturdy and remarkably durable home that belonged to Mahatma Gandhi, one of the most revered figures in history, along with his beloved wife, Kasturba Gandhi. Within the sturdy walls of this remarkable home, visitors can still discover a diverse array of his personal belongings, which not only includes his cherished writing desk but also extends to his favorite spinning wheel, known as the charkha, and even encompasses a collection of letters that vividly reveal various aspects of his life and thoughts to us. The simplicity of the living arrangements found within these walls serves as a powerful testament and living proof of his unwavering strong convictions, beliefs, and principles that guided him throughout his life.

Gandhi Smarak Sangrahalaya – The Museum
The Gandhi Museum is a picture-in-time gallery, letters, and documents which make you move to the past. You'll find glimpses of Gandhi's travels, letters received by heads of state from Gandhi, and even well-kept prints of his speeches.

Magan Niwas – The Khadi Movement Centre
Gandhi was a strong and unshakeable believer in the philosophy of self-reliance, which he believed would make men and communities strong. It was from this perspective that he exhorted people to learn to spin their own clothes, instead of buying British-made clothes, which were available. A visit allows one to see the old charkha, or spinning wheel, in motion, and observe and appreciate the careful process involved, and observe how khadi, the spun cloth, had become a potent and long-lasting symbol of Indian independence and resistance to colonial rule.

Prayer Ground – A Special Site for Contemplative Self-Reflection and Reflective Self-Contemplation In that tranquil and serene setting, each and every evening, Gandhi, and his dedicated and faithful followers, would come together to share communal prayer and engage in contemplative meditative discussion. Even today, the ashram continues to hold these prayer sessions, where one can truly feel with their heart the profound peace and fervent spirituality that once permeated and characterized these grounds.

Library and Archives – Mahatma Gandhi's Writings If you are a bookworm or a book lover, then my personal and genuine recommendation to you would be to go out to the ashram library. This particular library has a truly rich and varied collection of the writings, letters, and speeches of Gandhi. These valuable resources provide you with a great opportunity to immerse yourself fully and to truly grasp his fundamental principles, deeply held convictions, and overall philosophy.