Gandhi Ashram in Pallipadu,Nellore (AP),India

The Pinakini Satyagraha Ashramam is a living memory of Mahatma Gandhis association with Nellore. It was established on the bank of river Penna. It has made a significant contribution to the National Freedom Struggle lead by Gandhiji.This Ashramam is known as Pallipadu Gandhi Ashramam. It is the first of its kind in Andhra Pradesh and stands second only to Gandhijis Ashramam at Sabarmathi at the National Level. The Ashramam was inaugurated on 7-feb-1921 by Gandhiji himself.Initially it started in thatched huts on the bank of river Penna. On the suggestion of Gandhiji an amount of Rs. 10,000/- was extended as financial help by the All India Congress Committee and 22 acres of land was secured. The living and teaching in the Ashramam started on the principles of truth, non-violence. Many programmes were taken up such as Production of Khadhi, Eradication of untouchability, propagation of Hindi as the national language, Naturopathy, Equality of all religions, and Adult Education.The Ashramam is now under the Indian Red Cross Society Nellore branch. Indian Red Cross Society Nellore District branch intends to renovate the old building and make it a Tourist Centre for the new generation.

changes in pinakini satygraha asramam from 1921 to nowbuilding was constructed in 1925 with donations ofrusthum ji(friend of gandhi in south africa) Rs-10000/-Indian National Congress Rs-10000/-Munagala raja varu Rs-2000/-in 2006 Building was renewed with donations ofAdhala prabahaker reddy garu -9lak'sRedCross Nellore -5laks,and others

Traditional Architecture Guest House

RURAL DEVELOPMENT CENTRE AT PALLIPADU GANDHI ASHRAMI visited the Ashram and very much inspired by the atmosphere there. The Museum contains rare photographs of Mahatmaji. The Ashram is on the banks of Pennar River. There is the Guest House which was built with traditional Architecture. 22 Acres of fertile land belongs to the Ashram.I had discussions with Management of Red Cross on making this Ashram as a Centre for Rural Development,ideals cherished by Gandhiji. They are very positive and incidentally the Management Team is well known to me.The proposed Rural Development Centre will have Three Divisions:

1. Rural Energy:Demonstration of Renewable Energy Systems like Solar Cookers,Solar Driers,Simple Solar Water Heaters,Small Wind TurbinesBiogas for cooking and power through inpout from care-free growth,regenerative and CAM plants like Agave and Opuntia.

Energy Conservation in Lighting and Agricultural Pumpsets

2. Vertical Farming for nutritional leafy vegetables,Growing Highly Nutritious plants like Broccoli under controlled conditions,Organic Farming.3. Agro Industries & Skills TrainingCentre: Small industrial units utilizing local resources and resourcefulness: For Example Seethaphal oil which is Tocic and can be used as natural insecticide.Today there is great demand for Skilled workers. A Skilles training Centre in the fields of Carpentry,Plumbing,Electrician etc .It is proposed to submit proposals to Union Government and State Government especially Research Funding Agencies. Also Private Donors will be approached.

The Advantages for location of these CEntres:Nellore is 14 km. These is nearby District Institute of Education and Training - DIET - Nellore ,Pallipadu.