Que. The initiatives in Champaran, Ahmedabad and Kheda marked Gandhiji as a nationalist with a deep sympathy for the poor. Discuss.
चंपारण, अहमदाबाद और खेड़ा में की गई पहलों ने गांधीजी को गरीबों के प्रति गहरी सहानुभूति वाले एक राष्ट्रवादी के रूप में चिन्हित किया। विवेचना कीजिए।
Structure of the Answer
(i) Introduction: Introduce the significance of Gandhiji’s initiatives in Champaran, Ahmedabad, and Kheda in shaping his identity as a compassionate nationalist.
(ii) Main Body: Discuss how these initiatives addressed the struggles of the poor and marginalized, reflecting Gandhiji’s leadership in promoting social justice.
(iii) Conclusion: Summarize how Gandhiji’s efforts in these movements intertwined nationalism with social justice, solidifying his legacy as a leader of the oppressed.
Introduction
Gandhiji’s initiatives in Champaran, Ahmedabad, and Kheda were pivotal in illustrating his identity as a nationalist with deep sympathy for the poor, intertwining social justice with the broader Indian independence movement against British colonialism.
Champaran: Advocating for Farmers’ Rights
(i) Historical Context: In 1917, farmers in Champaran suffered under the exploitative “Tinkathia system,” forcing them to grow indigo for European planters, leading to dire poverty and discontent.
(ii) Gandhiji’s Intervention: Upon arriving in Champaran, Gandhiji initiated an inquiry into farmers’ grievances, highlighting their suffering and galvanizing public support for their cause.
(iii) Formation of the Satyagraha: Gandhiji organized a non-violent “Satyagraha,” encouraging farmers to resist oppressive practices through peaceful protest, establishing a model for future movements in India.
(iv) Mobilization and Empowerment: He mobilized the farmers, instilling a sense of self-empowerment, helping them understand their rights, and fostering unity among different communities in the region.
(v) Impact and Legacy: The movement forced the British government to address farmers’ grievances, marking a significant victory for rural India and reinforcing Gandhiji’s role as a leader of the oppressed.
Ahmedabad: Championing Labor Rights
(i) Context of the Strike: In 1918, the Ahmedabad textile workers went on strike for better wages and working conditions, seeking Gandhiji’s leadership during their crisis.
(ii) Negotiation and Mediation: Gandhiji positioned himself as a mediator, advocating for justice and fair treatment, demonstrating his commitment to the labor class and their rights.
(iii) Hunger Strike as a Protest Tool: By organizing a hunger strike, he drew national attention to the workers’ struggles, emphasizing dignity and justice as fundamental rights.
(iv) Success of the Negotiations: The negotiations led to an agreement for a wage increase, showcasing Gandhiji’s effectiveness and his ability to unite workers under a common cause.
(v) Symbol of Nationalism: This incident solidified Gandhiji’s image as a compassionate nationalist, emphasizing that true independence is not just political but also social, advocating for the rights of the working class.
Kheda: Compassion in Crisis
(i) Background of the Famine: In 1918, severe floods devastated Kheda, making it impossible for farmers to pay taxes, leading to a humanitarian crisis.
(ii) Call for Tax Resistance: Gandhiji called for a “Satyagraha” against the unjust tax collection during famine, emphasizing that such demands were inhumane and unjust.
(iii) Unity Among Farmers: He encouraged farmers to unite and resist tax payment collectively, fostering a strong community bond and a sense of shared struggle against colonial oppression.
(iv) Government Concession: The British government ultimately suspended tax collection, acknowledging the farmers’ plight, which demonstrated the power of non-violent resistance and public mobilization.
(v) Lasting Impact: The Kheda movement reinforced Gandhiji’s principles of civil disobedience and non-violence, establishing a framework for future struggles and highlighting his deep empathy for the agrarian community.
Conclusion
Gandhiji’s initiatives in Champaran, Ahmedabad, and Kheda not only highlighted his deep sympathy for the poor but also integrated social justice into the national movement, shaping his legacy as a compassionate leader for the oppressed.
