Gandhi's visit to Panmana Asramam remembered

Mahatma Gandhi visited the Panmana Asraman to raids money for the Harijan Funds to fight widespread social inequalities at the time.

Kollam (Kerala): People familiar with Kerala's Panmana Asramam have been proudly recalling the visit of Mahatma Gandhi to the facility in 1934.

Gandhi, who had been to Kerala five times altogether, visited Panmana Asramam on 19 January after a request from Kumbalath Shanku Pilla. The visit was aimed at raising money for ‘Harijan funds’ to fight social inequalities that were prevalent at the time.

A separate thatched shed was made in the Asramam for Gandhi to read and spend his night. He stayed for two days and is said to have spent his time in the serene atmosphere in prayers and contemplation. His memories, including the articles he used, have been preserved since then. The history of Gandhi’s visit has been inscribed in the front of the Siva temple in Panmana Asramam premises.

"Gandhiji was warmly welcomed and received with decorative lights on both sides of the National Highway from Idappallikotta to Panmana Ashramam," reminisces Pranavanandatheerthapadar, Asharam Madathipathi head. Many leaders, including Mira Behn and K Kelappan had accompanied Gandhiji to Panmana. The neem sapling that was planted by Mira Behn during the visit still gives shade to the Asramam.

Presently, education on Vedas, Upanishads, epics, Ayurveda, Sanskrit, language and literature are imparted at the Asramam. Many visit the Asramam for Ayurvedic treatment.