The KASTURBA GANDHI NATIONAL MEMORIAL TRUST was established
in 1945 as a result of the national endeavour, led by Mahatma Gandhi, to
address the issues of women in rural India.
The unique history of the Kasturba Gandhi National
Memorial Trust is set against the backdrop of the history of India's freedom
struggle.
Eminent people from all walks of life as well as the
anonymous masses, mobilised their resources to set up this Trust with its
headquarters in Kasturbagram (Indore) and 22 state branches all over the
country. Smt. Sarojini Naidu, a stalwart of the freedom movement dedicated
her time and full energy for the establishment of the Trust.
Mahatma Gandhi, Shri Vallabh Bhai Patel, Shri Thakkar
Bapa, dada Saheb Mavlankar, Smt. Prem Leela Thakarasi, Smt. Laxmi N. Menon,
Sushree Maniben Patel and Dr. Sushila Nayar have been the Chairpersons of
this Trust.
At the beginning of the new century, the role of Kasturba
Trust is as powerful and relevant as it was at its inception. The trust has
remained true to it's ideals for over 50 years of constructive work among
women and children in rural India - in the fields of healthcare, education,
literacy vocational training, relief work and employment generation.
Mahatma Gandhi's universal and timeless vision SARVODAYA
finds its best practical expression in the Kasturba Trust as SARVODAYA is
reawakening of the spirit in harmony with nature and environment for all
forms of life. Reconstruction of the social order is also part of
SARVODAYA.
Women and children are the backbone of our society.
Constructive work among women and children is a primary and essential
requirement for the process of nation building as envisaged in SARVODAYA.
To continue with this Gandhian vision, Kasturba Gandhi National Memorial
Trust needs the full support and involvement of the people.
