Sabharmati ashram.

The statue of three monkeys meet the eyes as one steps into the ashram.

Ghandhiji twinkles with a positive energy in every nook and corner of the hall that displays his photographs and sayings.It is no wonder that this frail looking man brought the mighty British empire down .Since, even long after his demise ,this place where he once lived leading a Ashramite life is still crackling with his amazing energy and inner strength!

It is also a tranquil place ,with Sabharmathi river flowing quietly ,by.There are thousands of birds ,chirping, singing fluttering ,flying ,circling ,pecking at the seeds placed in bowls,that brings nature right into the middle of the busy city of Ahmadabad!It is more or less like a bird sanctuary!

As i sat under a tree right in front of Ghandhiji's room facing the river , the prayer sung by a group of poor children at 6 pm , the time Ghandhiji is said to have conducted evening prayers ,wafted across ,synchronising with the musical songs of the birds whirling around and i could feel the peace seeped in the environment largely due to his saintly presence wash over me.

What a place! At once patriotic as well as spiritual!

Kudos to those who are maintaining this ambiance so well .

The following lyrics from a film in praise of Gandhji came to my mind

'Dedhi hame aazadhi bina khadeg bina dhal,
'Sabharmathi ke sant tu ne kardiya kamaal
Raghu pathi ragava raja Ram'

And the favourite hymn of Ghandhi ,

'Vaishanva janato tene kahiye ,je peed paraayi jane '....

Meaning.One who is a Vaishnav [devotee of vishnu] knows the pain of others.