The tree planted by Gandhiji in 1927 in an asrmam in Palakkad. Getty images/ManoramaSabari Asram at Akathethara in Palakkad is the only place in Kerala where Mahatma Gandhi had visited thrice. The asram was established by T.R. Krishna Swami Iyer, an advocate of Palakkad Bar, on the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi in 1923. Gandhiji visited the asram in 1925, 1927 and 1934.
Gandhiji's first visit to the asram was in 1925 when he came to Kerala to participate in the historic Vaikom Satyagraha. During this visit, Kasturba Gandhi, wife of Gandhiji, opened the gates of Kalmadam temple in Palakkad for the dalits. It is considered to be one of the most important events in the fight against untouchability in Kerala. Gandhiji came here again in July, 1927.
During his third visit to the asram on January 10, 1934, some elements planned to show black flag at Gandhiji at Olavakkode railway station. Krishna Swami, who came to know about this in advance, made arrangements to stop the train near the Asram. During his visit in 1927, Gandhiji planted a coconut palm in the premises of the Asram. The palm is still there, invoking memories of the historic visit. The house in which Gandhi prayed has also been preserved in the asram.
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