"This Spartan accomodation was to witness Gandhiji's evolution from Mohandas to Mahatma, who rose to be the Father of the Nation. "

Where to settle was a question before Gandhiji when he returned from South Africa. He selected Ahmedabad for three reasons. In his own words "being a Gujarati, I'll serve my country best through the use of Gujarati language. As Ahmedabad was the centre of handloom in early days, the work of spinning wheel (charkha) could be done in a better way, I believed. Being the capital of Gujarat its wealthy persons will also make larger contribution, I hoped."

And in none of this was he disappointed during his sixteen years stay in Ahmedabad. His first ashram was at Kochrab near Paldi of the present day Ahmedabad. It was a bungalow of his barrister friend Jivanlal Desai. This place had to be abandoned after two years in the wake of a plague epidemic. The choice now fell on a site on the bank of Sabarmati River, not far from saint Dadheechi's temple and in the vicinity of a Prision House; Laying down the objective of the Ashram, Gandhiji wrote: "To take training for the national service which is not contrary to universal wellbeing and constantly endeavouring for such national service is the aim of this Ashram."

Gradually a few dwelling units were built and the Ashram soon started humming with activities. The units were simple in style but very functional. Gandhiji first stayed in the Vanatshala-a place where handlooms were installed-but later on moved to `Hridaykunj', so named by Kakasaheb kalelker as it was the pulse of the Ashram. This Spartan accomodation was to witness Gandhiji's evolution from Mohandas to Mahatma, who rose to be the Father of the Nation.

The first struggle that Gandhiji spearheaded from Sabarmati Ashram was that of textile mill workers. On the third day of his fast the mill-owners came to terms. The establishment of Textile labour Association was the far-reaching consequence of this encounter. The struggle also brought Vallabhbhai Patel, Shankerlal Banker and Ansuyaben Sarabhai as close associates of Gandhiji. Soon after there was Kheda satyagraha. The struggle was taken to the national arena when the British Government passed the Rowlatt Act - cutting the very roots of liberty.