Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Rs 1,200 crore Gandhi Ashram Memorial master plan at Sabarmati in Gujarat’s Ahmedabad city. 

The PM also inaugurated the redeveloped Kochrab Ashram at a function on the anniversary of the famous Dandi Yatra taken out by Mahatma Gandhi on March 12, 1930.

Kochrab Ashram

• Kochrab Ashram was the first ashram established by Mahatma Gandhi after returning to India from South Africa in 1915 and is preserved as a memorial and tourist space.

• After staying in South Africa for 21 years, Gandhiji returned to India in January 1915. After touring extensively in India, he decided to establish an ashram in Ahmedabad.

• Barrister Jivanlal Desai offered his Kochrab bungalow on rent to start the Ashram. 

• The Ashram was founded near Kochrab village on May 25, 1915. 

• Gandhiji also prepared a draft of rules and observances to be followed by the Ashramites, which were later adopted as Ashram observances.

• It was established on May 25, 1915 and shifted to Sabarmati on June 17, 1917.

Sabarmati Ashram

• Sabarmati Ashram, standing on the bank of the river Sabarmati, is situated in the Ahmedabad district of Gujarat.

• The Sabarmati Ashram, originally called the Satyagraha Ashram, was home to Gandhiji between 1917 to 1930. 

• The part of the ashram where Gandhiji and his wife Kasturba used to stay was named ‘Hriday Kunj’ by Kakasaheb Kalelkar.

• Many of his followers lived and worked in Sabarmati Ashram, which became the headquarters from where he spearheaded the struggle for independence.

• Gandhiji also launched the historic Dandi March from here on March 12, 1930.

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