Gujarat Vidyapith, Ahmedabad

Gujarat Vidyapith is a deemed university located in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. It was founded on 18 October 1920 as a 'Rashtriya Vidyapith' (National University) by Mahatma Gandhi, who served as its kulpati (chancellor) throughout his life, with funds collected by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The institution began in Dahyabhai Mehta's bungalow behind the Kocharab Ashram. Its purpose was to promote education run by Indians for Indians, outside British governmental control, as part of the satyagraha movement to peacefully end British rule. Many nationalists across India emulated its foundation, and students and teachers left British colleges to join it. Figures like Jivatram Kripalani and Nanabhai Bhatt volunteered to teach there. The Vidyapith became a deemed university in 1963 and is funded and governed by the University Grants Commission under the Union Ministry for Human Resource Development. It continues to uphold Gandhian ideals such as truth, non-violence, dignity of labor, equality of religions, and use of mother-tongue instruction. The university offers various degrees including Ph.D. programs, and its central library holds a large collection of books, journals, and manuscripts. It also maintains several hostels for students.