KGNMT Gujarat Branch, Koba

Ba na Pagale

Envisioning a center for women-led regeneration, ecological care, and rural development, following the footsteps of Kasturba Gandhi.

Reimagining the Koba Campus

Founded in 1945 by Mahatma Gandhi, the Kasturba Gandhi National Memorial Trust (KGNMT) is one of India's oldest rural institutions for women's development. The Gujarat Branch at Koba, established in 1946 by Sarladevi Sarabhai, spans 119 bighas of pristine farmland on the banks of the river Sabarmati.

As our society undergoes deep social and ecological transitions, we believe reviving this legacy is necessary. We imagine KGNMT Gujarat as a center for women-led regeneration, rooted in love, seva, and ecological care, committed to sustaining livelihoods, restoring the land, and preserving cultural memory.

"This document is a working draft meant for conversation and co-creation... suggestions to be refined with your insights and wisdom."

KGNMT Heritage Photo

Guiding Principles

These values lie at the heart of every decision we make for the revival of KGNMT Gujarat.

Love & Seva

A deep commitment to service, non-violence (ahimsa), and self-reliance (swaraj) in all our interactions.

Ecological Care

Reconnecting with land-based knowledge, restoring soil health, and practicing agroecology.

Intergenerational Learning

Bridging the wisdom of elder mentors with the energy of youth to build emotional resilience and local leadership.

Pillars of the Trust's Work

Discover our core projects designed to empower rural women, regenerate the ecosystem, and restore local crafts.

Skill Building & Intergenerational Learning
Pillar 01

Ba Na Pagle – Skill Building & Learning

Creating safe, culturally rooted spaces for monthly gatherings (Ba Ni Baithak) to share stories, heal, and learn. The Young Ba Fellowship pairs PTC students with elder mentors to explore health, nutrition, and values, while the Swaad Ni Shala provides modules on culinary heritage and life skills.

Land, Agroecology & Nature
Pillar 02

Land, Agroecology & Nature

Reconnecting communities with land-based knowledge. Our Agroecology Training Centre specializes in regenerative farming, seed saving, and biodiversity conservation. Portions of the campus form an Ecological Sanctuary to foster peaceful coexistence with wildlife like Nilgai, monkeys, and birds, alongside a Native Tree Nursery and campsite.

Enterprise & Livelihoods - Kamala Cafe
Pillar 03

Enterprise & Livelihoods

Providing value-based economic opportunities. In collaboration with SEWA, we are establishing the Kamala Café, operated by local women serving farm-to-table food. Our Craft & Livelihood Studio offers wellness training, weaving, and sewing, supported by a future Farmers' Market Hub and a Publishing Unit.

Kasturba Interpretation Centre
Pillar 04

Kasturba Interpretation Centre

A living museum and immersive archive dedicated to celebrating the Life of Ba, the rich history of the Kasturba Trust, and stories of inspiring women who championed freedom and development. The centre aims to preserve fading cultural memory and inspire future changemakers.

Sports & Recreation Centre
Additional Facility

Sports & Recreation Centre

Promoting physical well-being, discipline, teamwork, and confidence among our PTC college girls. The centre features multi-purpose playfields for cricket, badminton, and yoga. To support Trust maintenance, these facilities are rented to local groups when not in use by the students.

Revival Roadmap

Our phased action plan designed to launch low-cost pilots and build long-term institutional legacy.

Phase 1

Immediate Activation (0–6 Months)

  • Initiate Ba Ni Baithak community gatherings
  • Establish a small-scale vegetable garden pilot
  • Develop concept notes for Swaad Ni Shala and Craft Studio
  • Engage community volunteers to co-create directions
Phase 2

Early Implementation (6–18 Months)

  • Pilot Swaad Ni Shala culinary classes with PTC girls
  • Establish a basic version of the Craft & Livelihood Studio
  • Start oral history documentation for the Interpretation Centre
  • Recruit key coordinators based on initial funding
Phase 3

Program Expansion (18–36 Months)

  • Launch the Agroecology Training Centre with demonstration zones
  • Expand campsites and declare the Wildlife Ecological Sanctuary
  • Develop Native Tree Nursery and launch the Sports Centre
Phase 4

Institutional Legacy (3–5 Years)

  • Launch the Kasturba Interpretation Centre as a living archive
  • Establish national and international educational exchanges
  • Drive sustainability via Kamala Café revenue and ethical product sales
Heritage Infrastructure

Gentle Heritage Conservation

Rather than modernizing our campus with invasive constructions, KGNMT Gujarat commits to a gentle conservation process. We respect original mud, stone, and brick materials, working in collaboration with heritage architects and local craftspeople.

Immediate Priorities:
  • Non-invasive repairs, sealing cracks, fixing plumbing, and clear drainage
  • Deep cleaning and natural pest control across all historical structures
  • Restoring one staff quarter cottage to serve as a pilot coordination hub

Latest Updates

Stay informed with news, stories, and developments directly from the Koba campus.

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Follow Our Journey

Stay connected with our latest updates, activities, and community impact directly from our field offices.

Join Us in Co-creating

Whether you want to volunteer, collaborate, learn more about our projects, or support our efforts, we'd love to hear from you.

  • Phone Number

    093162 50697

  • Email Address

    kgnmtkoba@gmail.com

  • Gujarat Branch Office

    Kasturba Gandhi National Memorial Trust,
    P.O. Kasturba Vidyalaya, Koba, Sector-9,
    Gandhinagar - 382009, Gujarat, India

Our Location

Find us on the pristine river Sabarmati bank in Koba, Gandhinagar.