In a state of neglect for long, historic Sabari Ashram at Akathethara near here is now on a recovery mode with Department of Culture initiating steps to renovate and preserve it as a centre for disseminating Gandhian values and ideals.
In response to a letter from Administrative Reforms Committee chairman V.S. Achuthanandan, Minister A.K. Balan deputed principal secretary of the department to prepare a detailed project report on the renovation of the Ashram, known as Kerala’s Sabarmathi because of the three visits by Mahatma Gandhi. Constructed 93 years ago to spread Gandhian ideals by freedom fighter T.R. Krishna Swami and his wife Easwari, the ashram is now in ruins raising questions about the safety of residents of an orphanage functioning within it.
Apart from refurbishing the buildings, the government is planning to set up an employment training centre for scheduled caste and scheduled tribe students within the complex. New hostel building, auditorium, conference hall, guest house, library, a centre for promoting Gndhian thoughts, a manufacturing unit to make Khadi products are also forming part of the revival mission.
“Except for the small room in which Gadhiji stayed during his visits in 1924, 1927 and 1934, the ashram complex lacks any protected memorial status. After getting the detailed report from the principal secretary, I will visit the ashram to prioritise the proposed renovation measures,” said Mr. Balan.
A coconut tree planted by Gandhiji is still ocuupying the land surrounding the Ashram.
Financial aid
The government is also considering the request to financially support the orphanage functioning inside the ashram. It is now struggling for survival because of the lack of funds. Though most of the 22 inmates are Dalits, successive governments have failed to address their grievances.
The Harijan Seva Sanghom under the Gandhi Peace Foundation that runs the ashram spends ₹500 a month on each resident. Demands to increase the allocation have been futile. T. Devan, a former resident at the orphanage, said it was generous contribution from individuals that shielded the children from hunger. Devan spends his entire pension for the children.
Another former resident Sudarshanan is voluntarily running the ashram.
It was in 1920, Krishna Swami quit his lawyer profession to join the freedom movement on a call of Mahatma Gandhi. He and his wife were excommunicated for organising a feast for the poor Dalit children in the locality.
He then thought of establishing an ashram with an orphanage. The ashram was declared open on Gandhi Jayanti in 1923. Impressed by the model set by his follower, Mahatma Gandhi visited the ashram accompanied by his wife Kasturba on three occasions.
