Anasakti Ashram - A memory of Mahatma Gandhi from 1929, kept alive

hill town of Kausani in Uttarakhand's Bshwar district attracts tourists as much for an ashram associated with Mahatma Gandhi as for it's still pristine natural beauty that left him mesmerised 90 years ago. In summer of 1929, Gandhi visited Kausani for what was intended to be a two-day stopover during his cross-India travel but was so enthralled by majestic view of Himalayas that he extended his stay to 14 days as a guest of a local tea estate owner.

Read |  House Where Gandhi Grew Up, And Making Of Mahatma Began

Anasakti Ashram and Mahatma Gandhi's visit in 1929

Ninety years on, Anasakti Ashram, where he stayed, still keeps his memory alive in its own special way. At ashram, tucked away in Himalayas, every visitor does as Gandhi did, following a Gandhian way of life. Memories of Mahatma still linger, and snippets from his life as well as Gandhi memorabilia are seen in every ok and corner.

ashram was named Anasakti, which means detachment from results of one's actions since Gandhi spent most of his time re translating verses encapsulating central philosophy of Bhagwad Gita as a path to attain moksha.

"From cleaning ir own washrooms, praying, meditating and learning about Anasakti Yog to enjoying serenity of nature and consuming Satvik food, guests enjoy all aspects of Gandhi's philosophy during ir stay at ashram," said Ritisha Sharma, who recently visited ashram.  

A Gandhi statue is in front of building and a sculpture of Gandhi's three monkeys -- with his three maxims see evil, hear evil, speak evil -- welcome guests at entrance.  walls are decorated with depictions of events from his life. While one wall is adorned with life history of Gandhi, ar depicts his family tree. Each wall in campus contains a saying by Mahatma.

Read | Kolkata House That Hosted Gandhi In 1947 To Open As Museum On Oct 2

A wall recreates text of various letters written by Gandhi during his stay at ashram in which he states how mesmerised he is with place, how he plans to extend his stay and work on his translation of Anasakti Yog from Bhagwad Gita during his stay. In a letter to his son and daughter-in-law Manilal and Sushila, Bapu wrote, I write to you from Himalayas while looking at mountain bad in sw. I spend entire day sitting in balcony while translating verses from Gita.

Apart from its 25 rooms, ashram also has a prayer/meditation room that hosts compulsory prayer meets for residents every day. A library and a research center dedicated to life and works of Gandhi are also part of campus. Apart from books on and by Gandhi, library also contains books on agriculture and works of Viba Bhave.

For several years, 'house' where he stayed remained a guesthouse. It was n converted into a dak bungalow until Sucheta Kripalani, who was chief minister, donated it to Uttar Pradesh Gandhi Smarak Nidhi in a bid to preserve memory of Gandhi, said Ramesh Chandra Pande, manr of ashram. Pande said Anasakti Yog is a translation of a part of Shrimad Bhagwad Gita which preaches a life of n-attachment with results of one's own actions, a life of dedicated action and work without attachment to outcome.

Read | When Gandhi Was Denied Entry Into A Temple Over His England Visit

Museum dedicated to Gandhi's aide Sarla Ben,  Laxmi Ashram

world may have changed considerably since Gandhi's memorable visit, but views are still exquisite with Trishul, Nanda Devi and Panchachuli mountain ranges visible from ashram. But ashram is t only Gandhi connect in Kausani. In 2013, a museum dedicated to Gandhi's aide Sarla Ben was constructed near ashram. England resident Carine Mary Helman, later renamed Sarla Ben by Mahatma Gandhi, dedicated her life to India's freedom struggle.

She set up residence at Almora and worked out of Kausani. In 1942, she set up Laxmi Ashram in Kausani, n kwn as Kasturba Mahila Utthan Mandal. After years of dedicated work towards upliftment of women, she passed away in 1982.

" event or than a flag hoisting ceremony and Prabhat Pheri are being held at ashram on October 2 this year due to model code of conduct in force.

" drawing competition of school children and or cultural events held at ashram as part of celebrations each year on occasion will be missing this time,"  said Ravishankar, who looks after ashram. 

Though its 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma on October 2 this year, celebrations at Anasakti Ashram are going to be a low key affair due to model code of conduct for upcoming panchayat elections in state.

Read | 'Gandhi Is Most Revered In Parliament Square' : Philip Jackson