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When did Gandhiji Return to India from South Africa?

By BYJU'S Exam Prep

Updated on: November 9th, 2023

Gandhiji returned to India from South Africa on 9 January 1915. He lived in South Africa for nearly two decades. In 2003, the 9th of January was observed as the Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas or Non-Resident Indian Day. After he returned from South Africa, he traveled the country to understand the people and soon became a part of the local Satyagraha. Mahatma Gandhi faced racial discrimination in South Africa. Thus, when he returned to India, he was deeply affected by the discrimination faced by the Indians and the atrocities of the Britishers.

Gandhiji’s Return to India from South Africa

Born on 2nd October 1869, Gandhiji was an Indian lawyer, social activist, writer, and politician. He is popularly known as Bapu or Father of the Nation. He awakened the masses on the strength of Satyagraha or non-violence to get independence from the Britishers. He went to South Africa in 1893, where he worked as his cousin’s lawyer. This was the turning point in his life. During his stay, he had to face a lot of humiliation.

Gandhiji was assassinated by Nathuram Godse on 30th January 1948 at the Birla house in New Delhi. This day is observed as Martyrs’ Day or Shaheed Diwas. Here is a description of the train incident where Gandhiji was pushed out of the compartment due to his color.

  • Gandhi was sitting in the first-class section since he had purchased a first-class ticket. Since non-whites and “coolies” (a derogatory name for Indians) were not allowed in first-class compartments, a White individual summoned the White railway officials.
  • The officials ordered Gandhi to remove himself from the van compartment.
  • Gandhi objected and provided his ticket but was told to leave politely or he would be forcibly removed.
  • Gandhi was forced out of the train, and his luggage was thrown onto the platform after he refused to follow the officer’s instructions.

Summary:

When did Gandhiji Return to India from South Africa?

On 9th January 1915, Gandhiji returned to India from South Africa. He returned to India at the request of Gopal Krishna Gokhale. M K Gandhi went to South Africa in April 1893 and worked as a lawyer in Johannesburg. He had to face a lot of discrimination while in South Africa on the basis of his color. Hence, when he returned to his homeland and observed racial discrimination against Indians by the British, he was very much affected by it.

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