3.1. A Leader Announces Himself

In January 1915, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi returned to his homeland after two decades of residence abroad. These years had been spent for the most part in South Africa, where he went as a lawyer, and in time became a leader of the Indian community in that territory.

Mahatma Gandhi returned to India after living in South Africa for 20 years. His time in South Africa shaped him significantly, as he worked as a lawyer and became a leader for the Indian community there. This experience helped him understand issues of injustice and inequality, which he would later address in India.

Think of someone who travels abroad for years and comes back with new ideas and insights. Just like a study abroad program enriches a student's worldview, Gandhi's time in South Africa gave him a deeper understanding of the struggles against oppression, which he would use to inspire and lead others in India.

As the historian Chandran Devanesan has remarked, South Africa was “the making of the Mahatma”. It was in South Africa that Mahatma Gandhi first forged the distinctive techniques of non-violent protest known as satyagraha, first promoted harmony between religions, and first alerted upper-caste Indians to their discriminatory treatment of low castes and women.

The experience Gandhi gained in South Africa was crucial in shaping his philosophy of non-violent resistance, called satyagraha. This method involved peaceful protests to fight against injustice, which he learned while advocating for the rights of Indians in South Africa. He also began to emphasize the need for religious harmony and started addressing social issues, such as caste discrimination.

Imagine a coach who learns valuable skills while training in a foreign country. When the coach returns home, they implement those skills and strategies to develop local talent. Similarly, Gandhi's experiences abroad were vital in forming his approach to leading India's freedom struggle.

The India that Mahatma Gandhi came back to in 1915 was rather different from the one that he had left in 1893. Although still a colony of the British, it was far more active in a political sense. The Indian National Congress now had branches in most major cities and towns. Through the Swadeshi movement of 1905-07 it had greatly broadened its appeal among the middle classes.

When Gandhi returned, India was experiencing a surge of political activism. The Indian National Congress had expanded significantly, creating branches across many cities. The Swadeshi movement, which encouraged the use of Indian goods and boycotted British products, had also mobilized the middle class and raised political awareness among the people.

Think of how a town may evolve from little engagement in local politics to becoming a hub of activism and community organizing. Gandhi returned to an India that was vibrant, with citizens increasingly involved in political discussions and actions, similar to a small town becoming a center for local elections.

His first major public appearance was at the opening of the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in February 1916. Among the invitees were princes and philanthropists whose donations had contributed to the founding of the BHU. Also present were important leaders of the Congress, such as Annie Besant.

Gandhi's first significant public speech after returning to India occurred during the inauguration of the Banaras Hindu University. Despite the presence of influential leaders and dignitaries, Gandhi chose to speak about the plight of the common people, particularly the poor and working class, challenging the wealthy elite present to take responsibility for the nation's future.

Consider a school valedictorian addressing a gathering of the school's affluent alumni during a graduation ceremony. Instead of celebrating achievements, the valedictorian speaks about underserved students who need support. Gandhi's speech was similar, aiming to draw attention to the socio-economic divide in India.

Gandhiji's speech at Banaras in February 1916 was, at one level, merely a statement of fact – namely, that Indian nationalism was an elite phenomenon, a creation of lawyers and doctors and landlords. But, at another level, it was also a statement of intent – the first public announcement of Gandhiji’s own desire to make Indian nationalism more properly representative of the Indian people as a whole.

In his speech, Gandhi pointed out that Indian nationalism was primarily driven by elite classes. However, he stressed the need for a broader representation of all Indians in the independence movement. This indicated his intention to transform nationalism into a collective struggle that included farmers, workers, and the marginalized.

Imagine a community meeting where the voices of only the wealthy are heard. One individual stands up and emphasizes the importance of including the opinions of every community member, from laborers to the elderly. That’s exactly what Gandhi sought to do with the Indian independence movement.

--