Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday performed "Ashram Bhoomi Vandana" and launched the masterplan of the Sabarmati Ashram Memorial Project during his visit to Ahmedabad in Gujarat, news agency PTI reported. Speaking at the gathering, PM Modi stated: "Today is March 12, it is the same day when Mahatma Gandhi changed the flow of the Independence struggle and the Dandi march was registered with golden letters (in the story of our Independence)."
"This Sabarmati Ashram of Bapu has always been the centre of an amazing energy. Whenever we get the opportunity to come here, we can clearly feel Bapu's inspiration within us. The ideals of truth and non-violence, the resolve of devotion towards the country, the sense of service to God in the service of the poor and devoid - Sabarmati Ashram keeps these values of Bapu alive even to this day," he further stated.
"Sabarmati Ashram has become pilgrimage for our freedom movement and Viksit Bharat (developed India)," he added.
PM Modi lauded Gujarat as the one of the states who have saved its own heritage. "For instance, the renovation Somnath Temple under Sardar Patel was historic. Gujarat has saved many such heritage sites on its own," he stated.
Planned with a budget of Rs 1,200 crore, the project aims to revitalise Mahatma Gandhi's teachings and philosophy for the present and future generations, a government release stated.
The enormous project intends to improve the infrastructure surrounding the Sabarmati Ashram, provide visitors with cutting-edge facilities, and create a world-class tribute to the Father of the Nation, according to the statement.