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Rashtriyashala Rajkot

Setting up an educational institution, rightly enough to add fire to the non-cooperation movement against the Britishers was a thought that spoke about the Gandhian philosophies. Spread across the state of Gujarat is a number of monuments and historical structures which have deep set association with Mahatma Gandhi and his principles. Even though he was known for spearheading the independence movement in India, Gandhi was more than a freedom fighter for people of India. He was a leader who showed exemplary standard of living and urged his followers to take up a path which would make them self dependent. To bring his principles into reality, Mahatma Gandhi was instrumental in setting up various ashrams, educational institutions and brought to the fore civil movements.

As a mark of honour and respect to this great leader, the Government of Gujarat aptly introduced the Gandhi Tourism Circuit, a kind of tourism itinerary which takes people across the different historical attractions closely associated with Mahatma Gandhi. One of these attractions is the Rashtriyashala in Rajkot. It has a lot of historical importance because Gandhiji started this institute to instil patriotism among the people by learning indigenous techniques of self help and improvement.

  • Genesis of Rashtriyashala in Rajkot

In 1920, Gandhiji came up with the idea of non-cooperation with the British rule. As per this concept, Indians could only become independent if they developed the feeling of self sufficiency and shunned the use of English goods, schools and educational institutions and other functioning machineries. For receiving education on different national ideologies, he established the Gandhi Vidyapeeth at Ahmadabad and various other educational institutions. One of such institutions was the Rashtriyashala in Rajkot. Prior to independence, the aims and objectives of this institute were to impart education on Gandhian concepts. It also aimed to prepare students to fight for their country through peaceful means and work towards the upliftment of the society.

  • Establishment

Rashtriyashala was formally started in 1921 in Rajkot in a rented place. Thereafter, the ruler of the state of Rajkot before independence gave about 66 thousand sq yards of land to Gandhiji, where this institution was shifted permanently and the educational activities were started in 1924. Shri Lakhajiraj was an ardent supporter of Gandhi and his cause and hence donated this land.

  • Present Activities of the Institution

Major part of the curriculum in Rashtriyashala, Rajkot revolves around the teachings of Gandhian philosophies and ideologies. It has three fold activities including educational and cultural, village and khadi industries and social service. There are other activities also being pursued in Rashtriyashala such as education of children, learning of Indian music, spinning khadi yarn in mass scale, oil extraction, patolas weaving cum training centre and organisation of various national festivals and celebratory occasions in the conference hall. Plenty of people are associated with the administration and management of this institution, which presently has a lot of Indian as well as foreign students.

  • Location

Rashtriyashala is located on Vidya Nagar Main Road in Rajkot which is about 40 kms from Jamnagar. Nearby is located the Pragati Hospital. From Jamnagar, one needs to take up the State Highway 26 to reach Rajkot. By buses and taxis, this important historical place can be reached, for a tour in the morning, as the Rashtriyashala is open from 9 am till noon.

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Rashtriyashala Rajkot

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