‘From Charkha to Chips’ Exhibition Highlights Gujarat’s Transition from Sabarmati Ashram to Dholera-Sanand Industrial Growth
Less than a year ago, Gujarat saw the convergence of a rich historical heritage with a promising industrial future.
SemiconIndia 2023, organized by the India Semiconductor Mission in collaboration with industry stakeholders, introduced the nation with an intriguing slogan or tagline ‘Charkha to Chips’. This unique combination sought to symbolize India’s journey from the meditative spinning wheel of Gandhi Ashram to the modern industrial charm of Dholera and Sanand.
At the opening event of SemiconIndia, in addition to the slogan, a display depicting India’s technological development with a charkha and chip model was presented. The significance of this transition became apparent later in the year with significant announcements in the semiconductor industry. Micron’s decision to set up an ATMP plant in Sanand was a defining moment for the country. Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with government officials and industry leaders laid the foundation stone for three semiconductor projects, two of which are located at Dholera and Sanand.
One of these is India’s first semiconductor manufacturing facility at Dholera Special Investment Zone (DSIR), which is being implemented by Tata Electronics Private Limited (TEPL) and Taiwan’s Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corp (PSMC). CG Power and Japan’s Renesas are setting up a second semiconductor unit in Sanand.
The selection of these two regions as semiconductor centers emphasizes several strategic factors. These include strong government support, availability of skilled labor and land, supportive industrial infrastructure and favorable geographic locations. Dholera’s proximity to the port and future international airport complements its attractiveness for semiconductor investments. On the other hand, Sanand’s connectivity to major transport networks like Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport and its proximity to Ahmedabad further add to its appeal.
But it must be understood that all these started with a simple but very powerful and strategic idea that India must be self-reliant or ‘Atmanirbhar’ and establish itself as a key partner in the global supply chain.
Beyond semiconductors, however, there is a deeper narrative rooted in India’s quest for self-sufficiency. This journey begins with the Swadeshi movement championed by Mahatma Gandhi, who raised the charkha as a symbol of self-reliance during India’s struggle for independence. Ahmedabad and its historic textile craft embody this ethos, where the charkha served as the cornerstone of the city’s textile industry.
Charkha’s historical significance is echoed by landmarks such as the Sabarmati Ashram, where Gandhi once lived. Here, the spinning wheel embodied the principles of simplicity, self-reliance and peaceful resistance. From a philosophical perspective, it was a way of life that Gandhi believed could empower individuals and ultimately lead to a more just and equal society.
Today the Ashram is a testament to these ideals. At this sanctuary of peace on the banks of the Sabarmati River, which looks nothing more than the Thames after the restoration of the Riverbank, visitors can watch spinning demonstrations of traditional spinning techniques, and someone reads the lines. Gandhi when he lived in the Ashram.
In essence, the journey from charkha to chips epitomizes the duality of Gujarat – a seamless blend of tradition and modernity, heritage and innovation. This convergence highlights the overarching theme of self-reliance that unites these seemingly disparate elements. As Gujarat becomes the core of both traditional craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology, it reflects India’s quest for self-sufficiency in the global arena.
