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Development with Dignity: Olympics at What Cost? 
Protect Motera’s Environmental, Cultural, and Spiritual Legacy

To the Esteemed Authorities of the Government of Gujarat and the Organizing Committee for Olympics 2036,

We, the undersigned concerned citizens of India and global supporters, express our deep concern regarding the proposed land acquisition near the Motera region of Ahmedabad for the development of a Sports Enclave and facilities for the 2036 Olympics. While we wholeheartedly support India's aspiration to host the Olympics and showcase our nation's capabilities, we urge a critical re-evaluation of the current plan, which threatens an area of profound environmental, social, and cultural significance – the Motera Ashram and its surrounding ecosystem.

For over 60 years, the Motera Ashram has served as far more than just a physical space. It is a vital sanctuary and a hub for selfless community service, visited by lakhs annually and home to over 2,000 dedicated residents who contribute tirelessly to society. In an era marked by rising stress and a national mental health crisis affecting over 200 million Indians (with 83% lacking access to treatment), places of peace and respite like Motera Ashram are not luxuries; they are essential lifelines.

The proposed development plan risks dismantling an institution that provides crucial support and well-being to countless individuals and the environment:

Why This Location Matters (Beyond Just Land):

A Sanctuary for Mental and Spiritual Well-being: In a nation grappling with mental health challenges and limited infrastructure (just 0.75 psychiatrists per 100,000 people), the Ashram offers a rare space for peace, clarity, and renewal – a vital counterpoint to the pressures of modern life.
A Cornerstone of Community Service: The Ashram actively runs extensive, transformative initiatives nationwide. This includes value-based education through over 17,000 Balsankar Kendras, affordable AYUSH healthcare, women's empowerment programs, tribal community upliftment, youth reform, disaster relief, environmental drives (plantation, organic farming), prisoner reforms, de-addiction campaigns, and mass cultural events like Parents' Worship Day. These programs impact thousands and provide essential support to underprivileged communities through daily food distribution. Replacing this hub of selfless service with a sports facility would create an irreparable void.
A Vital Environmental Lung: For over six decades, the Ashram has nurtured a significant green cover in the area. This lush environment is crucial to the local ecosystem, contributing to groundwater regulation, air purification, supporting local rainfall patterns, and harbouring biodiversity. Destroying this established green space for construction contradicts principles of environmental protection and sustainable development, leading to increased pollution, biodiversity loss, and ecological imbalance.
An Educational Foundation: The Ashram houses a Gurukul that provides a unique blend of modern and Vedic education and life skills to hundreds of children, shaping their future. Displacing this educational institution disrupts the fundamental right to education for these students.
A Place of Cultural and Spiritual Heritage: The area holds deep cultural and spiritual significance for millions, representing decades of tradition, peaceful existence, and selfless dedication. Its preservation honors the diverse heritage and values that are integral to India's identity.
We are not against development or hosting prestigious international events like the Olympics. However, true progress must be balanced, respecting our environmental foundations, cultural heritage, and the well-being of our citizens. Of the planned 600-acre Olympic master plan, the Motera Ashram occupies less than 2%. Surely, a nation with India's ingenuity and resources can identify alternative sites or adapt plans to integrate this invaluable sanctuary rather than demolishing it.

Forcible acquisition of this land, lawfully purchased by a religious trust over 60 years ago, raises significant legal and constitutional questions regarding property rights, religious freedom, the right to a clean environment, and the right to education, requiring careful legal review.

This petition is a call to redefine progress – one that strengthens, not sacrifices, the soul of our nation. We urge the authorities to honor the legacy of community service, environmental stewardship, and spiritual well-being that Motera Ashram represents.

We Demand:

Immediately halt all plans to acquire the land currently occupied by Motera Ashram and its associated community service facilities.
Conduct a transparent and inclusive review of alternative locations for the Olympic Sports Enclave that do not negatively impact vital environmental areas, cultural heritage sites, or established social service institutions.
Ensure a thorough legal and constitutional review of the proposed acquisition's impact on fundamental rights, environmental protection laws, and the legal standing of long-established trusts and residents.
Engage in meaningful consultation with the Ashram residents, visitors, local communities, environmental experts, and cultural bodies to find a solution that balances national development goals with the preservation of irreplaceable heritage and community assets.
Let us demonstrate to the world that India's path to global prominence is built on respect for its people, its environment, and its rich heritage.

Even though this petition is initiated by devotees of Sant Asharamji Bapu, this petition is going to be helpful for all people near Motera stadium, who will be impacted badly by this Olympics plan by concern government authority.

Sign this petition today to protect Motera Ashram and advocate for balanced, dignified development for Olympics 2036. 

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