A Journey that Begins in Pietermaritzburg
In the month of June 2025, on the occasion of the commemoration of the 132nd Pietermaritzburg Railway episode of Young lawyer Gandhi, we were at the Anasakti Ashram, Kausani, Uttarakhand, for a youth camp. It was there that Gandhi wrote the introduction to the Gujarati rendering of the Bhagavad Gita, viz., Anasakti Yoga. In this historic setting, we discussed on the opening day of the camp what young persons can learn from the incident at the camp site and also virtually in the night for a wider audience.
Places That Breathe Truth and Values
Every place Gandhi went and all happenings in his eventful life provided him an opportunity to understand and experiment with truth. The places associated with a special aura, whether it is his Ashrams or places connected with his life, create an indelible imprint in the minds of young persons with a mission and vision in life, and remain with them for the rest of their lives.
A Call from a Hospital Bed in Chennai
On the evening of August 1, 2025, I was in Chennai at a hospital after a surgery. I was a little drowsy due to anesthesia and received a call for help. I rang one of my former students who had undergone a postgraduate diploma programme in Gandhian thought at the Institute of Gandhian Studies, Wardha. At present, he is a lawyer and Dalit activist. He is stationed in Gandhigram and, due to the long travel from Gandhigram in Dindigul to Chennai, I advised him not to come. He reluctantly agreed. Though a follower of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, he studied Gandhi and imbibed values of hard work, compassion, and love. His stay in Wardha/Sevagram was an unforgettable experience for many like him.
A Surprise Visitor and a Shared Memory
I called him again and told him that the issue for which I sought help was solved. I had not shared many details other than the name of the hospital. After office hours, I was surprised by a visit from a young lady who came to the hospital. It turned out that from the former student who had talked to me informed her about my hospitalization. She was also a participant in the All-India Students Camp in December. I could remember her face and was happy to see such young, enterprising individuals who take on life’s challenges. She was not expecting that I would remember her.
The Magic of Sevagram and Wardha
During our conversation, she mentioned that there is something magical about Gandhi’s Wardha/Sevagram. The days she spent in Wardha were the happiest ones, and meeting us in her hometown was a cherished moment for her. She said that places like Wardha/Sevagram integrate people despite their diverse backgrounds, creating a feeling of a united, larger family. Gandhi still remains a source of integration and multiculturalism. His truth and values attract youth looking for alternatives to the mad rush and clutches of the crony capitalist system.
The Echoes Continue: Calls from Young Seekers
This is not an isolated incident that I’ve narrated here. Even while remaining in the hospital, I’m getting calls about the usual university students at the Sevagram Ashram that we organize in September. Young students from universities want to experience such camps, both regional and national level. It’s the responsibility of all who believe in Gandhian principles to take Gandhi’s message forward.
About the Author
Dr. Siby K Joseph is an academic and noted scholar who formerly served as the Dean of Studies and Research at the Institute of Gandhian Studies, Wardha. Currently, he serves as the Director of the Library and Research Centre for Gandhian Studies at Sevagram Ashram Pratishthan, Wardha, Maharashtra. He is also one of the founding members of the Gandhi Global Network. For over two decades, he has been engaged in training young individuals globally and locally in Gandhi’s principles, peace, and nonviolence.
