Prabhat Pheri at Sevagram Ashram

 Mahatma's Gentle Glow: Akhilesh Jha's Prabhat Pheri sketch of Sevagram Ashram

Siby K.Joseph 




The Prabhat Pheri at Sevagram Ashram is a revered ritual that takes place on select occasions, including October 2 (Gandhi Jayanti), January 30 (Martyrs' Day), and Kasturba's Memorial Day. At 5:45 am, the Ashram community and public gather at Nai Talim (Ghanti Ghar) for a devotional procession. Accompanied by Ramdhun and prayers, the procession winds its way through the Ashram premises, culminating at Bapu Kuti or Ba Kuti, depending on the occasion. This is followed by Sarva Dharma Prarthana at 6:00 am.

This  gathering profoundly impacts the body and mind, fostering a deep sense of spiritual connection and community. As the ceremony concludes, participants join in a collective effort to clean the Ashram premises, symbolizing the cleansing of the mind and the environment. This ritual embodies importance of  prayer in spiritual growth, community service, and environmental stewardship.

In a poignant tribute, Akhilesh Jha, a renowned gramophone historian, has captured the serene essence of Prabhat Pheri at Bapu Kuti through a delicate pencil sketch. Inspired by the  ritual he witnessed on January 30, Jha created this evocative artwork during his train journey to Gwalior, where he was to deliver a lecture on 'Gandhi, Radio, and Gramophone.'

As Jha humbly expresses, "... could not save Bapu... trying to bring some awareness at least...in the best way I can." Jha's artwork shows Mahatma Gandhi's enduring impact on artistic expression, inviting reflection and contemplation. 

On  January 30 , he also sketched the three abodes of Bapu, poignantly tracing the milestones of Gandhi's life journey. The artwork was published in Media Swaraj for wider dissemination further amplifying its impact. (https://mediaswaraj.com/artistic-tribute-to-bapu/ )  These artistic gestures  of Jha embodies the timeless spirit of Gandhi, inspiring reverence, creativity, and a deeper connection to his values.

 N.B. This note on Akilesh Jha's  Prabhat Pheri pencil sketch was prepared by Dr. Siby K. Joseph , Director, of the Library and Research Centre for Gandhian Studies of Sevagram Ashram Pratishthan, Wardha, Maharashtra 





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