The Story of My Experiments with Truth · Chapter
Founding of the Ashram explained
Gandhi describes the founding of the Satyagraha Ashram in Ahmedabad on May 25, 1915, after considering various locations.
What happens
Gandhi describes the founding of the Satyagraha Ashram in Ahmedabad on May 25, 1915, after considering various locations. He explains his preference for Ahmedabad due to his Gujarati identity, the potential for reviving hand-spinning, and the availability of financial support. The chapter covers the naming of the Ashram, the drafting of its code of rules, and the inclusion of about twenty-five members, including Tamil companions from South Africa.
Themes in this chapter
Service and Community Leadership
The Ashram was founded as a community dedicated to service and truth, with a common kitchen and shared living.
Self-Discipline and Simplicity
The Ashram's code of rules emphasized observances and simplicity, reflecting Gandhi's commitment to disciplined living.
Characters to notice
- Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi
Founder of the Satyagraha Ashram, decides on Ahmedabad as the location and names the Ashram.
- Swami Shraddhanandji
Wanted Gandhi to settle in Hardvar.
- Sjt. Jivanlal Desai
Offered his Kochrab bungalow for the Ashram.
- Sir Gurudas Banerji
Suggested adding humility as an observance for the Ashram rules.
Key passages
“The Satyagraha Ashram was founded on the 25th of May, 1915.”
The Satyagraha Ashram was established on May 25, 1915.
Key date marking the founding of the Ashram.
“I had a predilection for Ahmedabad. Being a Gujarati I thought I should be able to render the greatest service to the country through the Gujarati language.”
Gandhi preferred Ahmedabad because, as a Gujarati, he believed he could serve India best using the Gujarati language.
Gandhi's reasoning for choosing Ahmedabad as the Ashram's location.