Kochrab Ashram

Source- The post on Kochrab Ashram is based on the article “Modi inaugurates redeveloped Kochrab Ashram in Gujarat, Gandhi’s first home after returning to India” published in “The Print” on 12th March 2024.

What is the News?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the redeveloped Kochrab Ashram in Ahmedabad, Gujarat to mark the 94th anniversary of the Dandi March.

About Kochrab Ashram

1. About:

i) Kochrab ashram is located in Kochrab village, Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

ii) It is the first ashram established by Mahatma Gandhi upon his return to India from South Africa in 1915.

iii) It is also called as Satyagraha Ashram based on his ideas of achieving India’s independence from British rule through peaceful methods.

2. History:
i) Upon returning to India from South Africa, Mahatma Gandhi initiated his association with Ahmedabad.

ii) In 1915, he settled in Ahmedabad emphasizing that as a Gujarati, he could best serve the country through the Gujarati language.

iii) On May 20, 1915, Gandhi took up residence in a bungalow located in Kochrab village later renamed it as Satyagraha Ashram.

iii) The bungalow was generously provided by Jeevanlal Desai who was a fellow lawyer and colleague of Gandhi.

iv) Mahatma Gandhi based himself here for about one-and-a-half years before moving to the new campus of Sabarmati Ashram.

3. Appearance: It is a colonial-style building with a white-washed façade.

4. Significance: The ashram holds a historical significance:

i) The ashram also served as the starting point for Gandhi’s advocacy of khadi, equality for the poor, Hindi as the national language, self-reliance, and independence.

ii) It also served as a communal living space promoting self-improvement and community service.

Read more: Sabarmati ashram

UPSC Syllabus: History and Art & Culture in News