Activists, writers oppose Sabarmati Ashram makeover plan

The Ashram attracts visitors from across the world even now and there is no need for a make-over, a statement said

Over 140 prominent personalities have signed a petition opposing the proposed redevelopment of Mahatma Gandhi-founded Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad. The statement reads that the plan "severely compromises and trivialises the sanctity and importance of the present-day Ashram, mainly Hriday Kunj, surrounding buildings, and the museum."

Among the signatories are noted historians Ramachandra Guha, Rajmohan Gandhi, Vinay Lal, writer an cultural activist Ganesh Devy, Prakash Shah, write and editor of Nireekshak, writer Nayantara Sahgal, retired high court judge AP Shah, artist and poet Gulammohammed Sheikh, social activists Sandeep Pandey, Martin Macwan, journalists P Sainath, Kumar Ketkkar, film-makers Anand Patwardhan, Kavitha Lankesh, musician T M Krishna, ex IAS officers Arun Roy, Harsh Mander, theater activist Dakxin Bajrange. There are several other ex-bureaucrats, diplomats and defence personnel who have signed the petition.

The statement says that due to the proposed plan worth Rs1,200 crore, the "simplicity of the Ashram will be completely lost...Hriday Kunj (where Gandhi lived), other historical buildings, and present museums, even if they remain untouched, will no longer be the central places. They will be pushed into a corner by the new museum, amphitheater, food courts, shops, etc." The signatories have also expressed that "Easy access to Hriday Kunj and the present Museum will be blocked as the road passing by it will be closed. The new entrance will have at least a VIP lounge and a new museum before Hriday Kunj and the current museum."

Also Read | An attempt to obliterate Bapu, erase his legacy

It says that "The place has never needed a ‘world-class’ makeover to attract tourists. The charisma of Gandhi along with the authenticity and simplicity of the place has been enough. The proposed plan at best envisions a ‘Gandhi theme park’ and at worst ‘a second assassination’...In short, if the project gets through, the most authentic monument of Gandhi and our freedom struggle will be lost forever to vanity and commercialisation."

DH has recently reported that Sabarmati Ashram Preservation and Memorial Trust (SAPMT), which manages the ashram, has given its approval for the project with a condition that the government should not see the Ashram as "world-class tourism designation." The trustees have requested the government to build facilities with "sincerity keeping in mind the simplicity of the place." The trust's response came on a letter sent by the state government asking it to pass a resolution in favour of the proposed plan and hand over all revenue records to the local collector.

The design of the redevelopment has been planned by city-based architect Bimal Patel, who is also the master planner of the Central Vista project in Delhi.

The content of the statement is based on several news reports concerning the project which say that the project is being supervised by the central and state government. The statement reads" This is in keeping with the present government’s strategy to appropriate and commercialize all Gandhian institutions in the country. The worst example of this can be seen in Sevagram, but the most frightening aspect is government control over all Gandhian archives. As Mahatma Gandhi was murdered by elements whose ideology still inspires some of those in power in India, this danger cannot be overlooked."

"We must collectively oppose any government takeover of Gandhian institutions, while ensuring that the government continues to use public money for the proper maintenance and upkeep of such institutions, in consultation with eminent Gandhians, historians and archivists from India and around the world," reads the statement.