A 14-hectare cultural forest built at a cost of ₹20 crore in Oddar village, Porbandar, Gujarat, is drawing tourists and nature lovers by weaving together environmental conservation, Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy and local heritage into a single public space. Named Sarvodaya Van, the site is now Gujarat's 25th cultural forest.

Inauguration and Background

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel inaugurated Sarvodaya Van on 1 October 2026 as part of the 77th state-level Van Mahotsav. The project takes its name from Gandhi's philosophy of 'Sarvodaya' — meaning the welfare of all — and attempts to translate that ideal into a living landscape that connects ecological preservation with civic education and sustainable living.

Located in Porbandar, Gandhi's birthplace, the forest is positioned as a destination where younger generations can engage with his principles through themed gardens and public installations rather than museum exhibits alone.

Key Attractions and Design Themes

The forest has been organised around Gandhian values — truth, non-violence, peace, self-reliance, cleanliness and Gram Swaraj. Its 13 major components include Mahatma Van (depicting Gandhi's life journey), Satya-Ahimsa Van, the Ahimsa Stambh, Krishna-Sudama Vatika, Sea View Garden, Mission LiFE Garden, Van Kavach, Ayush Van, Barda Van, Aushadhi Van and a Plastic Mukti Path, among others.

R K Sugur, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests in Gandhinagar, highlighted the cultural depth of the site. 'Among these 13 major components of the forest, Sudama Vatika is especially noteworthy. Gandhi's struggle for non-violence has also been incorporated into the forest,' he said.

Plantation and Biodiversity

More than 1.5 lakh plants spanning over 70 species have been planted across the site. Native species include banyan, peepal, cluster fig and almond, while coastal varieties such as casuarina, pilu, portia and koadia reflect the site's proximity to the Arabian Sea.

Nilesh Bela, Range Forest Officer in Porbandar, described the breadth of concepts embedded in the design. 'Different forests have been created here, including Krishna-Sudama Matru Van, Satya-Ahimsa-Shanti Van, Barda Van, Aushadhi Van, Van Kavach, Mission LiFE and Plastic Mukti Path, among others. Different concepts have been incorporated within this forest,' he said.

Visitor Experience and Community Integration

Alongside its educational features, the site offers recreational infrastructure including gardens, slides and swings, making it family-friendly. Neeluben, a visitor, noted the added draw of its coastal location. 'There are different gardens, slides and swings. The sea is also nearby, so you can enjoy the view of the sea as well. It is a very enjoyable place,' she said.

Another visitor, Pareshbhai, said the forest offered an opportunity to learn about Gandhi while providing play facilities for children, and singled out the statue depicting Krishna and Sudama as a standout feature.

The site also supports local livelihoods: a souvenir shop and cafeteria are operational, and space has been allocated to display handicrafts by artisans from surrounding villages, including Chingariya. This comes amid broader state efforts to link eco-tourism with rural craft economies, a model several other Gujarat cultural forests have piloted.

Significance and What's Next

As the 25th cultural forest in Gujarat, Sarvodaya Van represents a maturing of the state's Van Mahotsav framework — moving beyond plantation drives toward integrated cultural and ecological destinations. With Gandhi's 155th birth anniversary observed in recent years drawing renewed global attention to his legacy, the forest's Porbandar location positions it to attract both domestic pilgrimage tourists and international visitors tracing Gandhi's roots. Authorities are expected to expand programming around school visits and craft fairs to deepen community engagement at the site.