Wardha, April 16 (IANS) President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday visited the historic Sevagram Ashram in Maharashtra’s Wardha, touring Mahatma Gandhi’s residence, including Bapu Kuti, Ba Kuti, and Adi Niwas.
During her visit, she paid tributes to Gandhi, toured the premises, and took a keen interest in the historical significance of each location.
The President also participated in a prayer meeting, planted a sapling to support environmental sustainability, and engaged in traditional thread spinning (sut katayi).
Accompanying the President were Governor Jishnu Dev Varma, state Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, Guardian Minister Dr Pankaj Bhoyar, and Collector Vanmathi C., among other dignitaries.
The residents of the Ashram were deeply moved by the President’s visit, citing her remarkable simplicity and her asking detailed, thoughtful questions. While examining the preserved artefacts of Mahatma Gandhi’s daily life, President Murmu noticed a pair of large tongs in a corner. Driven by curiosity, she inquired about its purpose. Ashram officials explained that during Gandhiji’s time, the area was prone to snake sightings. However, Gandhiji had strictly instructed that no snakes were to be killed. Instead, volunteers used these tongs to safely catch the snakes, place them in baskets, and release them into the nearby forest. This practice served as a practical application of the principle of non-violence (Ahimsa).
The President expressed her profound appreciation for this historical anecdote. Unlike many high-profile visitors who often rush through the premises, President Murmu took the time to personally read every piece of information on the boards and plaques installed at the Ashram.
“Usually, when a high-profile guest arrives, they are short on time and cannot manage to read the displays. But Madam President read all the instructions and information,” noted Vijay Tambe, an Ashram member who guided her through the premises. In a gesture of respect, the President removed her shoes before entering each hut, opting instead to wear the bamboo slippers provided by the Ashram.
She also showed specific interest in the “hotline phone” once used by Bapu.
Following the Ashram’s tradition, a tree plantation ceremony was organised. While the sapling was pre-selected and ready for the ceremony, the President immediately identified it upon arrival. “Oh, this is a Bel tree, isn’t it? It is very useful,” she remarked. Her accurate identification of the species left those present impressed by her deep knowledge of flora.
President Murmu expressed her delight at the peaceful and clean environment of the Ashram and tried her hand at spinning thread on the charkha.
Before departing, she complimented the staff on the upkeep of the grounds, saying, “You have maintained this area beautifully; continue to preserve it.”
She also expressed wonder at the ancient clay roof tiles (kavelu) still preserved on the huts.
–IANS
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