Mahatma Gandhi's Tolstoy Farm in South Africa all set to be revived

Recently, India celebrated the 153rd birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi who was not only a national hero but is also respected worldwide for his contribution towards humanity. For those who are aware of the life of Gandhi, he spent a crucial part of his young life in South Africa where he practised law and established Tolstoy Farm, a beautiful self-sufficient ashram. Now with the efforts of NGOs and the Indian mission, Tolstoy Farm is being revived.

About the Tolstoy Farm

Tolstoy Farm was a self-sufficient commune established by Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi in the 1900s. In 1910, the ashram served as the headquarters of a satyagraha campaign which was for the discrimination against Indians in Transvaal, where it was located. Tolstoy was the second ashram in South Africa organised by Gandhi (the first was Phoenix Farm in Natal in 1904). The farm was named after Russian writer and philosopher Leo Tolstoy as Gandhi was highly influenced with his 1894 book, The Kingdom of God Is Within You.

But nearly a decade ago, the ashram was completely vandalised. Mohan Hira, co-founder of Mahatma Gandhi Remembrance Organisation (MGRO) said, "We have been able to install large busts of Gandhiji and Mandela, and most recently well-wishers and NGOs brought in scores of trees, pledged to improve security and repair the generator and borehole on the premises."

During the recent birth anniversary of Gandhi, people saw an orchard, a library building and a community centre on the premises.
Consul General of India in Johannesburg Anju Ranjan, speaking during the event said the farm should transform into a centre, which benefits the local community. "Once Tolstoy Farm is rehabilitated completely, we should connect with other Gandhian organisations in India to make a Gandhian Circuit, like we have a Ramayana Circuit and the Buddhist Circuit, which connects India and Nepal" she said.

The diplomat also said the prime motive should be to get Tolstoy Farm declared a heritage site just like the Phoenix Settlement near Durban.