Visit and Orientation Programme

 Visit of  Leo Van Cleynenbreugel and Interactive session

Leo Van Cleynenbreugel, a Hindi language teacher from the Department of Languages and Cultures at Ghent University, Belgium, visited the Sevagram Ashram in Wardha on February 18, 2026. Accompanied by Nitu Singh, he toured the ashram’s library and research centre. During the visit, he held discussions with the centre's director, Dr. Siby K. Joseph, who briefed the visitors on their ongoing research  and academic activities. As a token of appreciation, Dr. Siby Joseph presented them with the Hindi translation of the book, The 1924 Belgaum Congress Session: A Pictorial Narrative of Mahatma Gandhi’s Presidential Debut. In an interactive session that followed, Van Cleynenbreugel shared his experiences, answered questions from attendees, and recited an original poem he wrote dedicated to Sevagram Ashram. 



Orientation Programme for Social Activists 

The Sevagram Ashram Pratishthan, Wardha, in association with the Gandhian Collective and the Gandhi Darshan Samiti, Kerala, organized a four-day orientation programme titled “Understanding Gandhi” for social activists from 15 to 18 February 2026. The primary objective of this initiative was to introduce the life and philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi while giving participants the opportunity to experience a Gandhian lifestyle firsthand within the historic premises of the Sevagram Ashram. The event was smoothly coordinated by the Sri Jamnalal Bajaj Memorial Library and Research Centre for Gandhian Studies of the Ashram Pratishthan.

A total of thirty-six social activists participated in the academic sessions, which were held in the Seminar Hall of the Library and Research Centre. A distinguished panel of resource persons addressed the gatherings, including Shri Gautam Bajaj, Shri Vijay Tambe, Dr. Bharathan A. V., Shri C. K. Vijaya Kumar, Dr. Thressia Lilly Thomas Palocaren, and Dr. Siby K. Joseph, among others. The comprehensive curriculum covered the contemporary relevance of Gandhi's life and philosophy, the work and message of Sevagram, and common misconceptions about Gandhi. Special sessions were also dedicated to Gandhi and women, with specific reference to Kasturba Gandhi, as well as Gandhi’s life through the eyes of foreign associates like Herbert Fischer.
To deepen their understanding, the participants visited several landmark institutions and historical sites in the region. These field visits included the primary premises of the Sevagram Ashram, Nai Talim Samity, Charkha Griha, the Jamnalal Bajaj Vinoba Darshan Exhibition, Gitai Mandir, the Peace Pagoda, Magan Sangrahalaya, and Paunar Ashram. Daily prayers, shramdaan (voluntary labour), interactive sessions, group discussions, and open dialogues formed the unique core features of this immersive experience. At the conclusion of the programme, the participants expressed their deep gratitude to the organizers for putting together such a meaningful and impactful event.

 

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