Shanti Sadhana Ashram (Sibsagar and Guwahati)

Shanti Sadhana Ashram (Sibsagar and Guwahati)

 
The Shanti Sadhana Ashram (SSA) was started by Hem Dutta, or more affectionately known as Hem Bhai. Guided by Gandhian principles, Hem Bhai started several initiatives, and SSA is one such effort. There are two such Ashrams, one in Guwahati and the other in Sibsagar. I visited the latter.

The Ashram is nestled deep within a village. The road grows narrower as one approaches it. Because of the rains, the road was slippery, and so we walked the last stretch. The surroundings were beautiful. At the time, the pond was full of water hyacinth.

The Ashram is a place where women come together to develop skills such as weaving, bamboo work, and pickle making. Training is provided free of cost for those interested, and the government provides some subsidy to help keep the Ashram running.

Five women currently work there. I met two of them, as the other three had gone home for voting. The women were warm and welcoming. They showed us the handlooms and spoke about their work. They said they primarily work on orders and therefore do not maintain a shop where visitors can purchase products directly. The Ashram does receive visitors from time to time, and the women said that many who come to learn eventually go on to start businesses of their own. There are two additional buildings on the premises with facilities for bamboo work and pickle-making training. The monkeys, however, had wreaked havoc and damaged much of the tin roofing.

Later, after we had left, I asked my interlocutors how the women had come to live there in the first place. I was told that they are single women who chose not to marry and instead came to the Ashram to live and work together. They grow and make much of what they need, and when something is required from the market, someone from the village helps procure it.

I asked what happens as the women grow older — where do they go, and who looks after them? I was told that younger women will most likely come and, in turn, care for them. That is how it is meant to be.

Addendum

Glimpses of the SSA in Guwahati.

 

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