Hundreds of eminent social activists, writers, filmmakers, defence veterans, retired civil servants, journalists, lawyers, and concerned citizens are raising their voices together against the government’s Rs 1,200 crore proposal to alter the Sabarmati Ashram, one of the most enduring examples of Gandhi’s legacy. According to an Indian Express news report, Gujarat’s authorities have already begun the process of clearing residential properties within Ahmedabad’s Sabarmati Ashram premises. This is being done to begin the Project Gandhi Ashram Memorial and Precinct Development, which according to the report will “develop a world class memorial as part of a project planned under.” The government reportedly wants to make it a “world-class” tourist destination and has earmarked Rs 1,200 crore for the project.

Sabarmati Ashram, is well known the world over as the place where Mahatma Gandhi lived from 1917 to 1930. Gandhi led the Dandi March from the Ashram and pledged not to return until India gained Independence. He disbanded the Ashram in 1933, and after Independence Gandhi’s associates and followers formed Sabarmati Ashram Preservation and Memorial Trust to protect the buildings and archival possessions of the Ashram for posterity. The signatories to the letter opposing the ‘redevelopment’ recalled that “there were five more trusts under the Ashram. They conduct their activities independently. Sabarmati Ashram Preservation and Memorial Trust looks after the buildings including Hriday Kunj—the residence of Gandhi and Kasturba.”

They highlighted the “simplicity and sanctity” of Hriday Kunj that “greets thousands of visitors coming from all parts of the world daily in truly Gandhian fashion, without frisking or security check or sight of armed persons. The visitors also feel touched and inspired by the aesthetics, openness, and sanctity of the place. The museum building designed in the early 1960s by Charles Correa reflects all the above-mentioned values and comes across as an integral part of the premises. Anyone passing by the adjoining road can drop in for a brief visit to Hriday Kunj or can have a glimpse of the museum as per convenience and available time.”

According to the concerned citizens and activists, the government’s proposed project that wants to make the ashram “a ‘world-class’ tourist destination spread over 54 acres” has planned for new museums, an amphitheater, VIP lounge, shops, food court among other things. This they say “is in keeping with the present government’s strategy to appropriate and commercialize all Gandhian institutions in the country” adding that the “worst example of this can be seen in Sevagram.” They state that even more “frightening” is the government move to “control” 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,” they write in the public statement jointly signed to oppose any such ‘redevelopment’ plans.

The proposed plan “severely compromises and trivializes the sanctity and importance of the present-day Ashram, mainly Hriday Kunj, surrounding buildings, and the museum,” they state. There will also be other problems as “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.”  

The Sabarmati Ashram has lakhs of visitors each year and “has never needed a ‘world-class’ makeover to attract tourists” as the Gandhian “authenticity and simplicity of the place has been enough.” The concerted citizens minced no words and stated that “the proposed plan at best envisions a ‘Gandhi theme park’ and at worst ‘a second assassination’” as “the most authentic monument of Gandhi and our freedom struggle will be lost forever to vanity and commercialization.” They write that public money must continue to be used for “the proper maintenance and upkeep of such institutions, in consultation with eminent Gandhians, historians and archivists from India and around the world”.

The statement may be read here: 

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The central government on January 20, 2021 proposed to suspend the three farm laws for one and a half years by submitting an affidavit committing the same to the Supreme Court.

Farmer leaders agreed to discuss the proposal in their January 21 meeting. However, they emphasised that farmers demanded repeal of the Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance & Farm Services Act, the Farmer’s Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act and the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act.

On the issue of MSP, the government offered a committee but the farmers rejected it. The next meeting will take place on January 21 at 12 PM wherein farmers will respond to the government proposal.

On Wednesday, leaders discussed National Investigation Agency (NIA) investigations and arrests. The government assured that people associated with the ongoing movement will not be harassed and intimidated using the NIA.

In celebration of Prakash Gurupurab of Shri Guru Gobind Singh Day, people across the world pledged for the success of the farmers’ movement by chanting the Shabad “Deh Siva Baru Mohe” from 11 AM to 1 PM, said farmer leaders in a press release.

The Sanyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) also met with Delhi, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh police to discuss the route for the Kisan Parade on January 26. Farmers stood firm on their plan of holding a parade on the Outer Ring Road, while police suggested alternative roads and even recommended that farmers not hold a parade at all.

Regardless, the SKM said that farmers from various parts of the country are reaching Delhi borders to join the movement. Farmers riding thousands of tractors from Lakhimpur and Bijnor of Uttarakhand will soon reach city borders.

In Madhya Pradesh, farmers from Riva, Gwalior, Multai areas continue indefinite sit-in strikes. People also distribute memorandums to the administration at different places.  Similarly, farmers visit village-to-village to raise awareness and prepare people for upcoming programs.  A huge tractor march was taken out in Bilwani, as well.

Odisha farmers who carried out the Navnirman Sangathan yatra towards Delhi plan to observe a fast till January 26 in protest against the Uttar Pradesh government’s attempt to disturb and reroute the march.

Similarly, people in Punjab and Haryana – not only farmer-labourers but people from every section of the society – have actively participated in the movement.  Rajasthan farmers will come to Delhi borders by performing tractor marches, bike rallies and small meetings in northern Rajasthan.

Honouring the many martyrs of the movement, the SKM said, “The entire leadership of the Sanyukta Kisan Morcha pays homage to these martyrs.  We all assure that the sacrifice of these farmers will not go in vain.  We demand proper compensation to the families of the martyrs.”

The National Alliance of People’s Movement’s (NAPM) Kisan Jyoti Yatra crossed Udaipur, Rajasthan. Widow farmers or family members of farmers who died by suicide are travelling from Yavatmal, Maharashtra to Delhi. Moreover, a massive rally was organised today in Kolkata, West Bengal where the Annadatar Saath Bangla indefinite sit-in strike continues.

Meanwhile, Bihar farmers are agitating in over 20 places in the state.

“The government is presenting this movement by connecting it with a particular section and area. With their struggle, farmers of Bihar have also responded to the argument. In Bihar, one side demonstrations are being held at the villages, district headquarters wherein Patna, AIPF activists also protested in large numbers,” said the SKM.

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