INDIA - NEW DELHI

The Gandhi Ashram Reconstruction Trust

(GART) India is the place of history's most dramatic example of the power of non-violent resistance. It is the birthplace of Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism and Sikhism and historical spiritual activists Mother Teresa and Mahatama Gandhi.

After returning from South Africa to his home country India, Gandhi litterally assumed leadership of the Indian National Congress. Gandhi led nationwide campaigns for the alleviation of poverty, for the liberation of women, for brotherhood amongst differing religions and ethnicities, for an end to untouchability and caste discrimination, and for the economic self-sufficiency of the nation, and Swaraj - the independence of India from British Rule. Gandhi famously led Indians in the disobedience of the salt tax on the 400 kilometre (248 miles) Dandi Salt March in 1930, and in an open call for the British to Quit India in 1942. He was imprisoned for many years on numerous occasions in both South Africa and India.

I made a pilgrimage to the heart of New Delhi to visit the Gandhi Ashram where Gandhi spent his time in India. Today the Ashram is being rejuvenated as a place for peace, meditation, and action by the Gandhi Ashram Reconstruction Trust.

Vivek Sharma, a long time follower of Gandhi's teachings, met me at the New Dehli airport and hosted me during my stay. The Ashram which is called the KINGSWAY CAMPUS has not been lived in for some 40 years. I was given a great honour and privilege to sleep in the Ashram itself, the very place where Gandhi meditated, studied, and wrote. Vivek and his colleagues prepared the space specifically so I could reside there during my stay. It was an honour never to be forgotten.

I met and interviewed Didi (Dr. Nirmala Deshpande) who has dedicated her live to Gandhi's principles. She worked with Vinoba Bhave in the great land boondan, in which they walked, litterally 40,000 kilometers raising money for harijans.

Desphande took me to a prayer meeting at the Dharma Sabha (where Gandhi used to pray) with children of the Ashram School. The children shared a sanskrit prayer with me. - it was a prayer for world peace.