Table of Contents
Mahatma Gandhi used to take courses shortly after he came to Valmiki Mandir, hoping to teach the local kids; their sons and daughters remember the time fondly.
Mahatma Gandhi used the Birla and Valmiki temples on Mandir Marg in the center of New Delhi as his laboratory to combat the abomination of caste and the vile practice of untouchability.
A sign at Birla Mandir’s main gate states that anyone can enter, having been granted permission by Mahatma Gandhi to inaugurate the temple on March 12, 1939, subject to the condition that members of all castes be permitted entry.
Mahatma Gandhi was devoted to the rights of Hindus who were seen as belonging to the lower caste, and he requested assurances from the Birla family that caste would not be a barrier to access into this temple.
He began the journal Young India in April 1925 and wrote in it that “temples, public wells, and schools must be open to Untouchables equally along with caste Hindus.” He also started the journal Harijan, through which he promoted his ideas, and called the practice of untouchability a moral crime. He was of the opinion that there must be no ban on any community in temples of learning as well as temples of worship.
Mahatma Gandhi also spent 214 days with the Valmikis, from April 1, 1946 to June 10, 1947, just across the Mandir Marg. This may have been the first and only occasion in which he truly became a teacher, as he was aware that education alone could change the Valmikis’ lives.
A great number of Valmiki families had lived in the slums around Valmiki Mandir, working as sweepers in places like Gole Market, Irwin Road (now Baba Kharak Singh Marg), and Connaught Place. When Mahatma Gandhi moved to the Valmiki colony, he also began to interact with Valmiki families, and was shocked to learn that they were all illiterate and had never even set foot in a school. He then asked the locals to send their children to him so he could teach them, and elders began to enroll their children in his classes.
According to Krishan Vidyarthi, the priest and caretaker of Valmiki Mandir, “Mahatma Gandhi ji made sure that his classes took place both in the morning and evening without fail. His dedication to teaching was so great that he would frequently postpone his meetings with prominent figures in the liberation movement so that he could complete his coursework. Those classes would start before prayers.”
In 1946, Louis Fischer spent more than a month in Delhi gathering material for his outstanding biography of Gandhi, The Life of Mahatma Gandhi. Fischer stated, “Once I reached at the Valmiki temple from my hotel Imperial to interview him.
In addition to the residents of Valmiki Colony, many students from various schools, including Raisina Bengali School, Harcourt Butler School, and Delhi Tamil Education Association School, occasionally attended Gandhi’s classes, which were free for everyone. It is said that Gandhi knew every student by name. Gandhi was a strict task master who would chastise students if any of them attended without having taken a bath.
Gandhi’s modest apartment inside the Valmiki temple has several ancient sepia-colored photos of him with Maulana Azad, Jawaharlal Nehru, C. Rajagopalachari, Sardar Patel, Acharya Kriplani, Lord and Lady Mountbatten, and the “Frontier Gandhi,” Abdul Ghaffar Khan.
One picture, nevertheless, would tell you the history of this venerable room; it depicts a number of energetic children conversing with Bapu, and though the artist’s name is missing, he has done a fantastic job of capturing the atmosphere of the space with a rich past.
In addition, Gandhi’s charkha is located next to his bed, and everything is exactly where he left it—that is, in the center of the carpeted room—including the wooden desk he used to write on and the bed he would use.
Every day, without fail, sixty-three-year-old Krishan Vidyarthi cleans the blackboard and classroom of Bapu, the spot where his forefathers studied over seventy-five years ago. This room holds special meaning for Krishan.
As he gets ready for the multifaith prayer that happens outside the room, Krishan remarks, “Of course it is not an average classroom. My father was also taught here.”
After the country was divided, Sikh and Hindu refugees from Pakistan had taken up residence on the grounds of the Valmiki temple. Gandhi’s classes stopped when he departed for Birla House, a few miles away, at the suggestion of Nehru and Sardar Patel.
The Remarkable Journey of Mahatma Gandhi: A Glimpse into the Life of a Visionary Leader
Introduction:
Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the Indian nation, is an iconic figure whose life and teachings continue to inspire generations around the world. Born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, Gujarat, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi emerged as a beacon of nonviolent resistance and a symbol of India’s struggle for independence. In this SEO-friendly article, we delve into the key aspects of Mahatma Gandhi’s life, exploring his early years, pivotal experiences, leadership philosophy, and enduring legacy.
Early Life and Education:
Gandhi’s childhood was marked by modesty and simplicity. Growing up in a devout Hindu family, he imbibed values like truthfulness, non-violence, and compassion from an early age. After completing his early education in India, Gandhi traveled to London in 1888 to study law. This overseas experience exposed him to different cultures and perspectives, laying the groundwork for his later commitment to social justice and equality.
South Africa: A Turning Point
Gandhi’s transformative journey truly began in South Africa, where he lived from 1893 to 1914. Initially arriving as a lawyer, he was appalled by the racial discrimination faced by Indians in the region. Gandhi became a staunch advocate for civil rights, leading campaigns against the oppressive laws that targeted the Indian community. It was during this time that he first employed the philosophy of nonviolent resistance, which would become the cornerstone of his later activism.
The Birth of Satyagraha:
Satyagraha, meaning ‘truth force’ or ‘soul force,’ became Gandhi’s guiding principle. It was a philosophy centered on the power of nonviolent resistance to effect social and political change. This concept played a pivotal role in shaping the course of India’s struggle for independence. Through acts of civil disobedience and peaceful protests, Gandhi sought to awaken the conscience of the oppressors and garner support for the righteous cause.
Return to India and the Salt March:
In 1915, Gandhi returned to India and quickly assumed a leadership role in the Indian National Congress. His first major campaign against British rule was the Non-Cooperation Movement in 1920, which encouraged Indians to boycott British institutions. However, it was the Salt March of 1930 that captured the world’s attention. Gandhi, along with thousands of followers, marched over 240 miles to the Arabian Sea to protest the British monopoly on salt production. This symbolic act became a powerful symbol of nonviolent resistance and captured the imagination of people worldwide.
Championing Equality and Harmony:
Gandhi’s vision extended beyond political independence; he also sought to eradicate social evils such as untouchability and promote religious harmony. His efforts to bridge the gap between Hindus and Muslims were particularly notable, as he emphasized the need for unity among India’s diverse communities. Gandhi’s teachings on communal harmony remain relevant in today’s world, serving as a reminder of the importance of tolerance and understanding.
Legacy and Global Impact:
The influence of Mahatma Gandhi goes well beyond Indian boundaries. His philosophy of nonviolence influenced civil rights leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr. both Nelson Mandela in South Africa and the United States. Gandhi’s principles continue to inspire movements for social justice and human rights worldwide. The United Nations has even designated his birthday, October 2nd, as the International Day of Non-Violence.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Mahatma Gandhi’s life is a testament to the transformative power of peaceful resistance and unwavering commitment to justice. From his early years in Gujarat to his influential role in the Indian independence movement, Gandhi’s legacy endures as a beacon of hope and inspiration. His teachings on nonviolence, truth, and equality remain relevant in our quest for a more just and compassionate world. As we reflect on the life of this visionary leader, let us strive to embody the principles that Mahatma Gandhi lived and died for, fostering a global community built on peace, understanding, and social justice.