Dear Prasanthi, I thank you for the update on the Sevagram visit. The good response is very encouraging. A two-day or a three-day visit would have the following:
1. Sevagram Ashram: Bapu Kuti (where Mahatma Gandhi lived for about a decade), other structures in the Ashram which are historic. Gandhi Exhibition - information on Gandhi's life and message. Nai Talim School - Basic Education concept based school. Participation in Prayer Meeting. Meeting several ashramites, discussions with some of the experienced people in Gandhian movement. Book Stall, Khadi and Village industries stalls (people can purchase literature and articles), Organic farming in the Ashram, Goshala - cow based agriculture. 2. Magan Sangrahalaya: A centre of rural industries exhibition, Khadi production, natural dyes, place where J.C. Kumarappa lived (famous Gandhian Economist who developed rural industries). This was established and developed by Devendrakumar Gupta who was a Vice Chancellor of Gandhigram Rural University. His wife, Prabha Gupta lived in Pinakini Satyagraha Ashram for some time and is closely associated with Nellore. 3. Centre of Science for Villages: A place where rural technologies were developed and used - hand made paper, biogas technology, Medicinal plants, Pottery, Nonviolent-Honey, low cost irrigation systems etc. 4. Housing Technology Centre: low cost housing technology, sanitation technology, drinking water and other technologies 5. Pavnar Ashram: This is where Acharya Vinoba Bhave lived and worked. Presently there is a goshala, publication centre and other activities. 6. Gopuri: Centre for rural industries - Khadi, Oil Ghani, production of Charkhas - both Ambar Charkha and Peti Charkha. Bajaj Exhibition 7. Gosamvardhan Goras Bhandar: An enterprise based on cow running for over 70 years which brings value addition to the farmers and consumers. They have high quality dairy products providing Rs.17 per litre of cow milk to the farmers and supplying to consumers at Rs.20 per litre. Perhaps no dairy unit in the country runs on such low margins for the administration and profits. 8. Viswa Santhi Stupa: A Monmument depicting the importance of peace and nonviolence. A buddhist shrine. 9. Gitai Mandir: Another important tourist place in Wardha. There are other places that can be included depending on time availability. The important aspect of this visit should be to spend more time on understanding the Gandhian concept of Truth & Nonviolence and how a society based on these principles can be built. We will have more time to internalise, reflect and discuss Gandhian perspectives and how they can be helpful to our work. Should you need any further information please let me know.
