Sri Jamnalal Bajaj Memorial Library and Research Centre for Gandhian Studies
On the occasion of 150 th birth anniversary of Kasturba Gandhi and Mahatma, taking note of the historic importance of Sevagram Ashram and its mission it was decided to rejuvenate its activities and develop in the vicinity of the Ashram, library, research centre and museum for preserving and transmitting the heritage of Gandhian thought for the whole humanity. Shri Jamnalal Bajaj had implicit faith in the epochal significance of Gandhi’s life, message and methods of action. He asked Gandhi to consider him as Mahatma’s fifth son, thereby accepting a share of the responsibility for preserving and transmitting the heritage of Gandhian thought to the succeeding generations. He proved through his lifetime that he was an epitome of Gandhi’s revolutionary concept of trusteeship. Taking note of contributions made by Shri Jamnalal Bajaj in the establishment of Gandhi’s Ashram at Wardha and undertaking the work of Mahatma Gandhi as the mission of his life, the Governing Body of the Ashram thought that it would be befitting to name the Library in his memory. The Sevagram Ashram Pratishthan began the work of library, research centre and allied activities from the academic year 2021-2022. The Library and Research Centre is established to create and offer facilities to study and research on the life, thought and methods of Gandhi, and to learn lessons that can be of value in addressing the problems humanity is confronting at present.
The life at the ashram is peaceful, dignified and silent. The inmates of the Ashram follow a simple lifestyle in tune with ideals set forth by Mahatma. It imparts the experience of a simple life that starts with early Morning Prayer and voluntary manual labour such as farming, sanitation, and other works related to the management of the Ashram. This environment provides a unique and unforgettable opportunity for an individual to develop a new vision of harmonious life based on self discipline, respect for labour, self reliance and altruism. With the new facilities in the vicinity of the Ashram, the centre provides an environment for serious academic pursuits. This blend of ashram and academic training is an invaluable asset for people from different walks of life looking for alternatives to overcome the economic, social and ethical maladies brought about by modern technological change and advancement. The centre is facilitating youth, students, academics, practitioners and activists not only from India but also from all over the globe to undertake study and research on Gandhian Studies and related areas.
The Physical Library
The library is engaged in a physical collection of all important writings of Gandhi and on Gandhi as well as predecessors of Gandhi and contemporary thinkers and social revolutionaries who have drawn inspiration from Gandhi. The information about all books available in the library can be accessed online and special services will be provided for those who cannot physically visit the library.
Digital and Archival library
The unique feature of the library is that it has comprehensive plan of digital and archival library in which both published and unpublished materials and any format like manuscripts, letters, photographs, audio and video, artwork, books, diaries, artifacts, and the digital equivalents of all of these things will be preserved for posterity.
Main Objectives
The main objectives of the Library and Research Centre are the following:
- To identify the growing relevance of Gandhi and to provide opportunities for study, research and application of his thoughts and methods.
- To provide library and research facilities for scholars, academics and activists engaged in research and study on Gandhiana across the globe.
- To undertake research on various facets of Gandhi’s life, thought and methods of action and its contemporary significance in the face of challenges humanity is facing at various fronts viz. economic, social, political, religious and spiritual fields.
- To organize courses of studies of various durations and conduct seminars, webinars workshops, symposiums on Gandhian themes of contemporary relevance at the regional, national and international levels.
- To develop a publishing wing to produce literature that would be beneficial for centres engaged in promotion of Gandhian Studies worldwide.
- To develop a group of scholars who would work as a think tank on policy matters on alternative means and ways of living.
- To provide academic guidance and to answer queries relating to Gandhiana for those engaged in research on various aspects of Gandhi in order to remove the common misconceptions about Mahatma Gandhi and his principles.
- To collaborate with national level instiutions in the organization of Consultative Meets, Campaigns and Advocacy on Khadi, village development, sanitation, health and nutrition and promote research and studies at micro and macro levels that would enable policy decisions on alternatives from a Gandhian frame of reference.
Work of the Centre
The activities of the Sri Jamnalal Bajaj Memorial Library and Research Centre for Gandhian Studies of Sevagram Ashram Pratishthan commenced on April 1, 2021. The Research Centre for Gandhian Studies within a short span of its existence established its identity among academics and activists both nationally and internationally by organizing a number of programmes in collaboration with reputed institutions and universities of India and abroad and making it one of the most vibrant centres in the dissemination of thoughts and principles of Mahatma.
For details write to :
Dr. Siby K. Joseph,
Director,
Sri Jamnalal Bajaj Memorial Library and Research Centre for Gandhian Studies,
Sevagram Ashram Pratishthan, Wardha (Maharashtra) India – 442102
Email : directorjbmlrc@gmail.com