Today Kishan and myself got a small glimpse of the Ashram History 101 with Ajit Dada, who was literally born in the Ashram premises, and who's family has been around from the times of Gandhiji and Parikshit Dada. One interesting fact came up while we were in 'class'...

Up until 1930, Ashram activities were focused on Swaraj, practicing values, holistic living and a lot more!!. In 1930 when Gandhiji decided to start the Dandi Yatra, he offered his 'entire Ashram' (33 acres of land then) to the British Government.

Surprisingly they 'refused'!!! 

Post which Gandhi ji decided to focus all the Ashram activities solely towards the removal of untouchability and therefore all activities henceforth were carried out with that context across all Ashram facilities. After which the Ashram was known as 'Sabarmati Harijan Ashram'.

Ajit Dada reflected that they (the British Government) probably realized that this space had such deeper foundations and collectively cultivated labor of values and virtues in the soil that perhaps it seemed almost impossible to even think of 'owning' such a land :) This was no longer just a piece of land, this was something way beyond their capacity to put a logic to, and yet probably 'got' what it is.

I was reflecting, 13 years of such deep cultivation, so many people came in and out, so many activities and spaces were created, so many movements and non-violent strategies were planned and yet it was so effortless for Gandhiji to absolutely let go of the entire space without any hesitations, not only because the movement was shifting base, also because it was the collective that made that space! It was reaffirming to think of that 'space' in today's context too. When we talk about "Vyaktigat shunyata, samuhik purnata" - may be, this is also what he hinted at!