Understanding Mahatma

       

Orientation Programme/Study Visit 

February 2-4,2025

Sevagram Ashram Pratishthan Wardha organized an Orientation programme cum study visit for  socially committed persons associated with a  group viz. Mahatma from February 2 to 4 , 2025.The group consisted of 42 persons from different districts of Kerala and one from Maharashtra. The programme aimed  to provide participants with a deeper understanding of  Mahatma Gandhi's life and work in Sevagram/ Wardha.The initiative for this programme was taken by Shri K. Radhakrishnan former Mayor of  Thrissur who participated in a similar programme organized by Sevagram Ashram Pratishthan in association with Gandhian Collective, Kerala. Dr.Siby K.Joseph Director of Library and Research Centre welcomed the participants and addressed the participants in an introductory meeting held on the evening of 2nd February.Shri . K.Radhakrishnan addressed the participants and explained  the  programme schedule and objective of the programme On February 3 after a short introduction at the Library and Research Centre visited Charkha Griha,Jamnalal Bajaj Exhibition and Vinoba Darshan at Gitai Mandir and Vishwa Shanti Stupa at Gopuri and Laxmi Narayan Mandir at Wardha. A documentary viz.Kathni Karni Ek Si Jamnalal Bajaj   was  also screened.

 

Afternoon was devoted to the visit to Magan Sangrahalay  J.C. Kumarappa's  hut, Khadi production unit ,Goras Bhandar Bakery Unit,the hstoric gate of All India Village Industries Association at Wardha. 

In the evening participants visited Paunar Ashram and a session was organized under the guidance of Shri Gautam Bajaj. He shared anecdotes from Bhoodan yatra and the life and contributions of Vinoba Bhave.The participants took part in the evening prayer at the Sevagram  Ashram. 

In the post dinner session participants shared their experiences and  the self  introduction  by  all participants helped them to know each other and understand their potentials and areas of expertise. Dr.Siby K.Joseph explained to the group the project on Constitution of India in its centenary year  by the library and research centre and requested the support of Dr.Sheela Kumari M.P.,a political scientist specialized in Constitution other friends who are interested in Gandhi's legacy in the constitutional process. 

On January 4 the programme started with Interreligious prayer at the Ashram .It was followed by an explorative guided visit to the ashram and its heritage buildings and its various departments. The participants also visited the Sevagram village where  Dr. B.R.Ambedkar addressed the villagers after a meeting with Gandhi in May 1936.

In the afternoon a session was organized at Library and Research Centre to introduce the life and work of Mahatma Gandhi at Wardha/ Sevagram Dr.Siby K.Joseph guided the session. In the  Valedictory  session Shri Vijay Tambe Secretary of Sevagram Ashram Pratishthan addressed the participants. He also answered a number of queries    from the participants 

The participants expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to  visit the Ashram and engage with its community and experience the spirit of Gandhi in the historic setting of Sevagram Ashram.The participants felt the need  to develop a comprehensive guidebook for visitors to Sevagram Ashram Pratishthan and establish a network of Gandhi-inspired organizations and individuals to promote his ideals.

Shri Unnikrishnan of Gourinanda travels facilitated  the programme.