The purpose of Gandhiji’s visit to Champaran was to bring justice to the sharecroppers. During their struggle, Gandhiji made the poor, illiterate peasants realise that they too had rights. He wanted them to become self-reliant and fight for their rights. Gandhiji’s aim was to mould the Indians in such a way that they could stand…
Gandhiji received reports from Raj Kumar Shukla about the Indian farmers being exploited by British landlords. The farmers were forced to grow indigo on 15% of the land that harvest was treated as rent by the landlords. When the news of German synthetic indigo reached the landlords, they agreed to release the sharecroppers but the…
Gandhiji visited Champaran to look into the problems of the poor peasants. There, he was greeted by thousands of peasants. This was the beginning of the peasant liberation from fear of the British. A peasant had been maltreated in a village called Motihari. Gandhiji set out to see him. The police superintendent’s messenger overtook him…
Unsatisfied with mere political and economic solutions, Gandhiji wanted to bring about a change in the social and cultural conditions of Champaran. He wanted to make the peasants self-reliant. He noticed the unhealthy living conditions and poor sanitation in the village. He also realised the need for literacy. Hence, he decided to continue his stay…
Exploitation continues in unorganised sectors, such as farm workers, construction site labourers, house maids or helpers at ‘dhabas’ who are paid too little for the quantum of work done. Gandhiji showed us the way to counter the present day problems of exploitation. He helped Champaran sharecroppers by infusing courage and freedom from fears. He taught…
Since Gandhiji was a law-abiding citizen, he did not want to go against the court’s orders. Gandhiji did not want to set a bad example as a lawbreaker on one hand and on the other wanted to render humanitarian and national service to the people. For this reason, Gandhiji told the court that he was…
Raj Kumar Shukla is described as being ‘resolute’ because, in order to convince Gandhiji to come to Champaran, Raj Kumar Shukla accompanied him everywhere. He did not leave Gandhiji’s side for weeks, begging him to come to Champaran. He even followed Gandhiji to his ashram in Ahmedabad. Impressed by his perseverance, Gandhiji asked Raj Kumar…
Gandhiji genuinely cared for the cultural and social backwardness of Champaran villagers. Therefore, Gandhiji opened primary schools in six villages and called for teachers to teach the children. Kasturba and their son joined. He also called doctors to look into health conditions and taught the villagers about hygiene and personal cleanliness.
Raj Kumar Shukla and Gandhiji were not well received at Rajendra Prasad’s home. He was out of town. The servants knew Shukla as the peasant who pestered their master. Since Gandhiji accompanied Shukla, the servants took him to be a peasant as well. They allowed him to be on the grounds, but he was not…