Orientation Programme for Social Activists February 21-24, 2024
Orientation Programme for Social Activists coinciding with
80 th Anniversary Kasturba Gandhi’s demise
The participants were eager to participate in the programme organized by the Ashram on the occasion of 80 th Anniversary of Kasturba Gandhi's demise on 22 February 2024 . They joined with the ashram community and others for a padyatra at 5.45 am from Nai Talim Samiti (Ghanti Ghar) to Bapu Kuti with Ramdhun. Later they joined Sarva Dharma Prarthana in front of Ba Kuti at 6 am. After prayer, all of them joined with others in the cleanliness activity in the premises of the ashram for half an hour . Later they engaged in the cleaning of both sides of the roads adjoining the ashram. Participation in these activities was a memorable one and they were not willing to stop even after the scheduled time.
After breakfast, an explorative guided visit to the Sevagram Ashram was arranged for the group. The significance of each place was explained to them, starting from the area where Gandhi first stayed when he came to Segaon on April 30, 1936, the various heritage buildings of the ashram and the basic education premises. A special visit to the Cotton to Cloth workshop of the Ashram where Bapu Khadi is produced was also arranged. It helped them to understand the significance of the Ashram and its contribution in the freedom struggle and constructive action. They also visited the spot in Sevagram village where Dr. B. R. Ambedkar addressed the villagers after the meeting with Mahatma Gandhi in May 1936. A brief discussion about Ambedkar’s conversion to Buddhism was also taken up.
In the afternoon the group joined others in attending a public meeting organized by Sevagram Ashram Pratishthan at the Seminar hall of Yatri Niwas at 3.00 pm on the eve of 80 th Anniversary of Kasturba Gandhi's demise. The meeting was addressed by Mrs. Anuradha Mohoni, noted writer and social activist, Mrs. Priyanka Kardile ,Deputy Collector of Wardha and others. They also had brief exchanges with resource persons after the meeting. In the evening a special session with Mrs. Anuradha Mohoni was organized for the group. She briefed them about the life and work of Kasturba Gandhi. She also explained unique personality traits of Kasturba and her contributions in the life of Gandhi and struggles both in South Africa and India . In the evening they were at the prayer ground to witness the community spinning from 5 . 30 pm in the prayer ground. After that they joined the evening prayer of the ashram.
In the post dinner session Dr. Siby K. Joseph made a presentation on ashrams of Gandhi with special emphasis on Sevagram. In that session he succinctly analysed the life and work of Gandhi during the Sevagram phase. In this session some questions were also taken up for discussion.
Shramdhan activity at both sides of the Sevagram Ashram road continued on 23 February also. The first academic session of the day was organized at Seminar Hall of Research Centre of Sevagram Ashram Pratishthan. The topic of discussion was gender equality. Dr. Ravindra Rukhmini Pandharinath guided the session. It was followed by a session about the growth of communal forces and significance of Gandhian ideas in addressing them. It was followed by a group discussion on various issues including the emerging political scenario.
Afternoon till evening was devoted to field visits. The group visited Gita Mandir, Buddhist temple, Peace Pagoda and exhibitions of Jamnalal Bajaj and Acharya Vinoba Bhave at Gopuri. At the Buddhist temple , the group had exchanges with Rev. Mikio Asai from Japan. They offered prayers for world peace. The next destination was Maganvadi where Gandhi guided the work of All India Village Industries Association. They saw Magan Sangrahalaya Khadi and village industries exhibitions started by Mahatma Gandhi and J. C. Kumarappa’s hut in the premises.
The last destination was Acharya Vinoba Bhave’s ashram at Paunar-Brahma Vidya Mandir. At Paunar a special session was arranged with Gautam Bajaj. He shared his experiences about the Bhoodan movement, especially the visit to Kerala and exchanges they had at Kerala. This session was a great learning experience for the group and they raised a number of questions before him. After the session, the group paid tributes to Gandhi and Vinoba by visiting the place where their ashes were immersed in river Dham.
In the night a cultural event was organized at Seminar Hall. It provided them an opportunity to express their hidden talents before the group.
With a lot of vigour and enthusiasm the group continued Shramdhan activity at Ashram road on 24 February also. The morning session was guided by Shri Sunny Paikada, regional convener of the Gandhian collective . In this session he explained how Gandhi combined idealism and pragmatism. The next session was devoted to group discussion and a number of issues were taken up for discussion. The group appreciated the guidance of Shri Sunny Paikada and Dr. Siby K. Joseph .
Afternoon a documentary on Mahtama was screened and in the evening some time was given for shopping Khadi and villages industries products.
In the night the group assembled at Seminar hall for sharing and evaluation. They critically evaluated the programme and inputs were given for improvement. In the valedictory session Shri Vijay Tambe, Secretary, Sevagram Ashram Pratishthan gave a brief address in which he analysed the contemporary challenges we are facing.
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