The objectives of the Satyagraha Ashram, according to the trust deed, were: 1. Antyaja – uplift of the downtrodden 2. Cultivation of cotton, development of the crafts connected with it, hand-ginning, carding, spinning and weaving 3. Train workers for activities necessary for the moral, economic and political uplift of India 4 Establish and run schools for under privileged children and 5. Undertake activities for cow-protection and improving the breed of cows.Amrut Modi, 88, has been managing the affairs of the Sabarmati Ashram since 1974, said, “Gandhiji had invited weavers, spinners and cobblers from villages of Gujarat to come and stay in the Ashram to teach the Satyagrahis how to spin yarn on Charkha, weave cloth on handlooms and make sandals and shoes from the hide of dead animals. These artisans were provided residential quarters in the ashram.”Recounting the history of the Ashram, Amrut bhai said the historic Dandi march for the Salt Satyagraha had begun from the Ashram on March 12, 1930. Gandhiji had then declared that he will not come and reside in the ashram till India did not attain independence.Gandhiji then shifted to Wardha at the invitation of Jamnalal Bajaj, the founder of Bajaj Group of industries. Gandhiji established the Sevagram Ashram, 8 km from Wardha, on the land donated by Bajaj.Before he left Sabarmati Ashram, Gandhiji had already transferred the ownership of the 110 acres of land and the buildings on it to the Satyagraha Ashram trust.
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