Confirmed, Trump Sabarmati Ashram visit on

Ahmedabad, February 23

US President Donald Trump will visit the Sabarmati Ashram here in Gujarat during his maiden visit to India on February 24, city Police Commissioner Ashish Bhatia said on Sunday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will accompany Trump to the Ashram, which is closely associated with Mahatma Gandhi and India’s freedom struggle, in the midst of their joint roadshow from the international airport, he said.

Earlier, confusion prevailed over Trump’s visit to the Ashram. Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani on Friday said the White House will take a call on such visit.

“Trump will arrive at the Ahmedabad International Airport at around 11:30 am tomorrow (February 24). It was already announced that Trump will land here directly here from Washington. At the airport, he will be given the guard of honour,” Bhatia said while addressing reporters.

He said Trump would embark on a roadshow after attending a cultural programme. Ashram secretary Amrut Modi said that Trump will spend 15 minutes at the place. He said the US President would be briefed about Gandhiji and the importance of charkha (spinning wheel) as a symbol of self-reliance.

“Trump will visit the ‘Hriday Kunj’. He will be in the Ashram for around 15 minutes before leaving. If he wishes, he will spin a charkha. However, the programme is limited for 15 minutes,” Modi said.

“Trump will then proceed for the Sabarmati Ashram which he would be visiting for a very short time. From the Ashram, Trump will resume the roadshow, and reach the Motera stadium via Indira bridge,” the police commissioner said. PM Modi and Trump are scheduled to address the “Namaste Trump” event at the Motera cricket stadium. — PTI