The Satyagraha Ashram at Surat in Gujarat was set up on the occasion of Bardoli Satyagraha in 1927. It has been considered as one of the heritage structures reminiscent of the event of Satyagraha and its happenings.
Ashrams became symbolic of nationalist struggle and constructive work. Bardoli Ashram in Surat too became a space where the spirit of swadeshi was truly reflected in its spinning of khadi on charkha and providing shelter and employment to the marginalised. The Bardoli Satyagraha Ashram, established by Sardar Vallabhai Patel, is today the residence of Niranjana Kalarthi. Kalarthi can be seen as a true Gandhian, draped in a white khadi cotton saree always. Her inspiration probably came from her father, Uttamchand Shah, who joined the Bardoli Satyagraha led by Patel at Gandhi’s directions. Shah faced imprisonment for the same and later became the Managing Secretary of the Ashram. The Ashram, a result of Patel’s resilient efforts at Bardoli, was also the centre of many All India Working Committee meetings of the Congress.
Thus, the Bardoli Satyagraha Ashram is indeed a hidden treasure which has been a home for several people and allowed for nationalism to flourish within its walls.
Source: Indian Culture Portal