On the eve of Mahatma Gandhiji’s birthday, on Monday 01 October 2018, Acharya Swamishree Maharaj presided upon a special event held in Ahmedabad’s Mahatma Gandhi Vihar Mandir in the Ellisbridge region.
 
Gandhi Bapu established the ‘Antyaj Ratri Shala’ in a village called Kochrab, where children of the lowest classes of society were given free schooling, something that was considered forbidden by society until then. In commemoration of this revolutionary deed, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation renamed the village square and it is now called Mahatma Gandhi Smruti Chowk. In the presence of many dignitaries, Acharya Swamishree Maharaj performed its inauguration.
 
One of the students of the ‘Antyaj Ratri Shala’ was a young boy named Chagan. Gandhiji noticed the creativity and considerable artistic talent that he possessed and encouraged him to develop his skill more and more. He became a renowned artist and was fortunate to be with Gandhji for many years. In that time, he drew sketches of Gandhiji and many other historical events during the struggle for India’s independence. A number of his paintings still decorate the walls of museums, art galleries and private collections. However, one memoir has never appeared before the world, and that is his sketchbook, ‘Chaganlal’s Memoirs of the Dandi March’. Dr Rizwan Kadri, Professor of Swaminarayan Arts College, Ahmedabad researched and collated the sketches. The book has now been published by Maninagar Shree Swaminarayan Gadi Sansthan.
 
In the presence of Mahant Shree Shambhu Prasad Tundia - MP, Shri Surendra Patel - Former MP, and Bijalben Patel – Mayor of Ahmedabad, Acharya Swamishree Maharaj inaugurated the historical book.
 
Throughout the event, Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa Pipe Band Maninagar performed patriotic tunes and saluted the guests as they arrived.