Institutions like the Navjivan Publishing House and the Gujarat Vidyapith founded by Mahatma Gandhi way back in early 1920s in Ahmedabad stand for qualities like inclusivity, openness, simplicity and a quirky, earthy, accommodating Indian spirit.
However, such places may appear anachronistic in a city that is rapidly being redefined by the homogenizing influences of global capitalism. Concerned about galloping interest in consumerism and technology, the trustees of the Navjivan mainly into publishing literature on Mahatma Gandhi and his philosophy decided to give the Navjivan building a makeover.
In a way that could invite people to the Navjivan House and make them slow down and reflect upon values and sensibilities Mahatma Gandhi lived and died for. The blueprint they prepared has now been nearly translated into reality with a cafeteria, a state-of-the-art art gallery and the Navjivan Centre for Sustainable Development....
