“My life is my message.” ~ Mahatma Gandhi

Last Thursday was India’s 66th Independence Day. My friend Hardik asked – why don’t we go to the Sabarmati Ashram?

As is the case, any historical monument in one’s own city gets visited only during childhood school trips, or when relatives or friends come over from other cities!

The last time I visited this Ashram was nearly half a decade ago. And so I told him, sure.

Sabarmati Ashram, Ahmedabad is where Mahatma Gandhi stayed from 1917 till the early 1930s. He began his famous Dandi march to break the salt law right from this place.

Located on the banks of the river Sabarmati, the Ashram has been built in a beautiful compound. Lots of trees, white-washed buildings with maroon thatched roofs and a peaceful atmosphere.

The Ashram gives a glimpse into Gandhiji’s simple life. Fasting and praying, non-violence and truth, self-reliance and self-sustenance and yes, leading India towards independence.

A museum has been created which has many things related to his life – photographs, letters, newspaper articles, speeches.

Just behind the compound, we found Sabarmati flowing in full strength. Once completely dry, heavy rains and the Narmada waters have changed its entire look! (On a side note, with exceptionally heavy rains this time in India, it seems a little difficult to imagine the drought conditions many states faced just a few months back.)

There were all kinds of people when we reached. Tourists from India and abroad, school children, even some young guns from a political group.

People come here for a variety of reasons. Some visit because it is on their travel agenda. Some come here for the peace. Some for the inspiration this place provides. Many out of curiosity. A few come to pay tribute, to the one they consider among the greatest humans ever to have walked on earth.

Whenever I come, I definitely take a look at a few letters in the museum (pictures below).

These letters have been sent to Gandhiji from people across the world. But the interesting thing is how they have been addressed. For me, these letters stand for what universal respect and fame truly is. I have no idea why they inspire me so much. Gives me goosebumps each time.