Sevagram, Wardha

This is the second in the series.

A Brief Introduction:

In 1930, Gandhiji started Dandi March also popular as the Salt Satyagraha (you must be aware of the Platinum Jubilee Celebration held by Congress under Ms. Sonia Gandhi commemorating the same, earlier this year in Gujarat). Dandi March started from Sabarmati Ashram in Gujarat towards Dandi. As he left the Ashram, he vowed not to return back to the Ashram till India attained Swarajya (Independence). The march did not result in Swarajya. He was in jail for the next two years. After he was released, he spent his time traveling. This time he was on a country wide "Harijan Tour" - this was in 1933 - main aim of which was to fight untouchability.

In 1934, he formally resigned from Congress, at the age of 65. He wished to live in Central India, and he ended up in Wardha (a town near Nagpur)in 1934,supposedly on the invitation of Seth Jamnalal Bajaj. He moved to Maganwadi (Wardha), working on improving "All India Village Industries Association" and its activities, which he started about the same time. During that period, Mirabehn ( Miss Slade), Gandhiji's disciple, who was attracted towards village life, chose to stay at this village called Segaon which is about 7 kilometers from Wardha town.

In 1936, Gandhiji decided to shift his residence to this village (Segaon), which he later renamed it as "Sevagram" - which is to mean "Village of Service". This happened on 30th April, 1936. He stayed there till 1948 and many great decisions during the Freedom Movement were made from here. More importantly, it is the place where one can understand the live example that Gandhiji set for the whole of India to follow.

I guess the above will be a good way to begin talking about Sevagram. I shall explore other things on the way.