PM Modi inaugurates Kochrab Ashram and unveils master plan for Gandhi Ashram Memorial

Ahmedabad, March 12 (IANS) – Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the redeveloped Kochrab Ashram and launched the Master Plan of Gandhi Ashram Memorial at Sabarmati Ashram on Tuesday. The Kochrab Ashram, the first established by Mahatma Gandhi, is now being expanded to 55 acres as part of the Gandhi Ashram Memorial Project.

The historic site is managed by Gujarat Vidyapeeth and serves as a memorial and tourist attraction. The redevelopment project aims to restore and preserve 36 buildings, including Gandhi’s former residence Hriday Kunj, and add new facilities for visitors to learn about Gandhian philosophy through interactive exhibits and workshops.

During the ceremony, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the Ashram’s importance in the freedom struggle and expressed gratitude for the efforts to reclaim 55 acres of the land. He emphasized the need to engage the youth with Gandhian values through school competitions and daily visits by children to the Ashram.

Prime Minister Modi criticized the neglect of heritage sites by previous administrations and contrasted it with the successful development efforts in Kashi and Ayodhya. The Master Plan also includes the establishment of a library, archives, and an interpretation center to disseminate Gandhi’s teachings and accommodate visitors from diverse backgrounds.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated projects worth Rs 1,06,000 crore in Gujarat and flagged off new Vande Bharat Express trains. The redevelopment of the Kochrab Ashram and the launch of the Gandhi Ashram Memorial Project mark significant steps in preserving Gandhian heritage and promoting his values for future generations.