A glimpse of Gandhiji's values and rural culture is available: Chief Minister to inaugurate Sarvodaya Van today

The 'Sarvodaya Van' built by the Forest Department at a cost of Rs 20 crore near Oldar in Porbandar will be inaugurated by the Chief Minister today. The Krishna-Sudama Vatika and Gram Swaraj Parishad will be the main attraction in the state's 25th cultural forest with 1.5 lakh saplings in 14 hectares. 'Sarvodaya Van', a confluence of nature, cultural heritage and Gandhian thought, has been prepared at Porbandar, the birthplace of the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi. On the eve of Gandhi Jayanti, the forest will be formally inaugurated by the Chief Minister of the state, Bhupendra Patel. This will be the 25th cultural forest of the state, constructed at a cost of Rs 20 crore in about 14 hectares of land. However, Porbandar will be the largest Sarvodaya Van compared to other Sarvodaya Vans in the state. Located at a distance of 15 km from Kirti Mandir and just 6 km from Mokarsagar Wetland, more than 1.5 lakh saplings of 70 different plant species have been planted in this complex. Mahatma Van depicting the life journey from 'Mohan to Mahatma', Satya-Ahimsa Van with Ahimsa pillar, Krishna-Sudama Vatika reminiscing about selfless friendship, Shanti Van with Panchvati and Ayush Van and Barda Van Kunj will be special attractions for tourists. Apart from this, the opening of a souvenir shop for the exhibition-sale of traditional handloom shawls of Chingaria village and cafeteria for local food will give a big boost to local employment and tourism. A glimpse of Gandhiji's values and rural culture available The Gram Swaraj complex at Savodaya Van has been developed with sculptures depicting the contribution of common citizens in the freedom struggle with presentation of traditional agriculture, local handicrafts and sustainable rural lifestyles.