'Charkha to Chips' Showcases Gujarat's Journey from Historic Sabarmati Ashram to Dholera-Sanand Industrial Boom

Less than a year ago, Gujarat witnessed the convergence of its rich historical legacy with a promising industrial future.

SemiconIndia 2023, organised by India Semiconductor Mission in collaboration with industry stakeholders, introduced the captivating slogan or tagline ‘Charkha to Chips’ to the nation. This unique combination aimed to symbolise India’s journey from the meditative spinning wheel of Gandhi Ashram to the modern industrial charm of Dholera and Sanand.

The inaugural event of SemiconIndia not only unveiled the slogan but also showcased a display illustrating India’s technological evolution with a charkha and chip model. The significance of this transition became obvious later in the year with significant announcements in the semiconductor industry. Micron’s decision to establish its ATMP plant in Sanand marked a pivotal moment for the country. Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alongside government officials and industry leaders, laid the foundation stone for three semiconductor projects, two of which are situated in Dholera and Sanand.

One of these will be India’s first semiconductor fabrication facility at the Dholera Special Investment Region (DSIR) by Tata Electronics Private Limited (TEPL) and Taiwan’s Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corp (PSMC). Another semiconductor unit will be established by CG Power and Japan’s Renesas in Sanand.

The choice of these two areas as semiconductor hubs underscores various strategic factors. These include robust government support, availability of skilled labour and land, supportive industrial infrastructure, and advantageous geographical locations. Dholera’s proximity to a port and an upcoming international airport complements its attractiveness for semiconductor investments. On the other hand, Sanand’s connectivity to major transportation networks such as Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Airport and its proximity to Ahmedabad further enhance its appeal.

But it needs to be understood that all of these began with a simple yet very powerful and strategic idea that India needs to be self-reliant or ‘Atmanirbhar’ and should establish itself as a key partner in the global supply chain.

However, beyond the realm of semiconductors lies a deeper narrative rooted in India’s pursuit of self-reliance. This journey finds its origins in the Swadeshi movement championed by Mahatma Gandhi, who elevated the charkha as a symbol of self-sufficiency during India’s struggle for independence. Ahmedabad, with its historical textile prowess, epitomises this ethos, where the charkha served as a cornerstone of the city’s textile industry.

The historical significance of the charkha echoes through landmarks such as the Sabarmati Ashram, once home to Gandhi. Here, the spinning wheel embodied 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 equitable society.

Today, the ashram stands as a testament to these ideals. At this peace sanctuary, situated on the banks of the Sabarmati River which looks nothing less than the Thames after the redevelopment of the riverfront, spinning demonstrations — showcasing the traditional spinning technique — can be witnessed by the visitors, with someone reading out the lines said by Gandhi when he used to reside at the Ashram.

In essence, the journey from charkha to chips epitomises Gujarat’s duality — a seamless blend of tradition and modernity, heritage, and innovation. This convergence underscores the overarching theme of self-reliance that binds these seemingly disparate elements together. As Gujarat emerges as a nucleus for both traditional craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology, it epitomises India’s quest for self-sufficiency in the global arena.