Kasturba Gandhi's hut at Sevagram Ashram

Ba-Kuti: The Abode of Love 

Siby Kollappallil Joseph 

Akhilesh Jha' s  tribute to Kasturba Gandhi 

Today marks 81 st remembrance day of Kasturba Gandhi, and the Ashram community came together in the early morning to pay their respects. The day began with a sacred Prabhat Pheri ritual, where the community assembled at Ghanti Ghar and took a round of the ashram premises, accompanied by devotional music, to reach the cottage of Ba Kuti.Participating in the Prabhat Pheri, a serene early morning ritual, was a moving experience for the ashram inmates. This timeless tradition, which has been lovingly continued over the years, fosters a deep sense of community, spirituality, and connection with the ashram's values and legacy.This ritual is reserved for special occasions, including Gandhi's birthday, his martyrdom day, and Kasturba's Memorial Day. 

To commemorate the anniversary of Kasturba's demise, Akhilesh Jha, a renowned Gramophone Historian, created a beautiful drawing of her humble abode, Ba-Kuti.Akhilesh Jha was here in the ashram on the occasion of Gandhi's birthday  (October 2)and day of his martyrdom  (January 30)

Akhilesh Jha's gesture of drawing a pencil sketch of Ba-Kuti, titled "Ba-Kuti: The Abode of Love that Gave Strength of Sacrifice," is a loving tribute to Kasturba Gandhi. Despite being physically absent from the ashram, he wanted to honour her memory on the 81st anniversary of her demise. This  drawing captures the essence of Kasturba's humble abode, which stood as a testament to her love, sacrifice, and unwavering support for Gandhi's vision.Ba-Kuti, the simple yet profound dwelling, stands as a testament to the love, values, and principles that Kasturba embodied, inspiring countless individuals to this day.

The story behind Ba-Kuti is a fascinating one. Mahatma Gandhi's decision to settle in Segaon, a remote village in Wardha, marked a significant chapter in his life. On March 19, 1936, he wrote to Jamnalal Bajaj, expressing his desire to live in a simple hut, with minimal expenses, stating:

"If Ba desires then with her, otherwise I would live alone in a hut in Segaon."He further emphasized:"As little expense as possible should be incurred in building the hut and in no case should it exceed Rs. 100."

Gandhi arrived in Segaon on April 30, 1936, and initially stayed in a makeshift arrangement made by Miraben. He later left for his South Indian tour and returned to Wardha on June 14, walking from Maganvadi to Segaon on June 16.

Initially, only one hut, currently known as Adinivas or the first residence, was built. However, as more people started staying with Gandhi, the need for additional space arose. An extract of letter to Amritlal V. Thakkar reveals the  overcrowding of people in the one room hut with verandah,kitchen and bathroom. 

"Tukdoji occupies the corner in front of me, Khan Saheb the one beside me; Munnalal by Tukdoji’s side. Rajkumari’s bed is between me and Tukdoji. Ba, Lilavati and Manu accommodate themselves where they can."

To address the inconvenience of ladies, a cottage for Kasturba was built. The cottage, known as Ba's Kuti, was nearly finished by December 11, 1936, with Gandhi remarking:"The work of Ba’s cottage is nearly finished. You will like it except for its somewhat city appearance. It has cost more than my hut. I am sure that at least Rs. 100 could have been saved on it."

 In Ba Kutii, the clothes of Ba (Kasturba) and Bapu (Mahatma Gandhi) are preserved in a wooden glass box. This display serves as a tangible connection to the couple's simple yet extraordinary lives.

The wooden glass box acts as a sacred repository, keeping the memories of Ba and Bapu alive for visitors.By preserving their personal belongings, Ba Kuti continues to inspire and educate visitors about the Gandhian way of simple living 

A heartfelt letter from Mohandas to Kasturba, dated November 9, 1908, is  also depicted in Ba Kuti which showcases the depth of their relationship and Gandhi's unwavering commitment to his principles.In the letter, Gandhi pours out his emotions, saying:

"I love you so dearly that even if you are dead, you will be alive to me. Your soul is deathless."

Ba Kuti is also a  powerful reminder of   Kasturba's life and her role as Gandhi's partner in his struggles.

Kasturba Gandhi passed away on February 22, 1944, while imprisoned with Mahatma Gandhi at the Aga Khan Palace in Pune.After her demise, a sapling of the Tulsi plant, which held great significance as she prayed before it daily during her last days, was brought to the ashram. Mahatma Gandhi planted this sapling near Ba's Cottage, and it continues to remind us of her role in the Quit India movement.

Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose aptly described Kasturba as a martyr and "the mother of the Indian people". Mahatma Gandhi himself acknowledged that Kasturba was his teacher in nonviolence, highlighting the profound impact she had on his philosophy and approach to life.

Gandhi's equation of love with nonviolence is particularly significant, as it underscores the importance of compassion, empathy, and kindness in bringing about positive change. Kasturba's life and work embodied these values, as she selflessly dedicated herself to serving others, guided by her unwavering commitment to love and nonviolence.It's fitting, then, that her abode, Ba Kuti, is also regarded as an "abode of love." 

This note was prepared by Dr. Siby K. Joseph , Director, of the Library and Research Centre for Gandhian Studies of Sevagram Ashram Pratishthan, Wardha, Maharashtra