In September, 1920 Congress session was held in Calcutta where Mahatma Gandhi mooted the idea of ‘Non-Cooperation’ movement. The idea was passed by a majority vote. In many ways this Congress session was historic as it galvanised the activities of the Congress party.
The countrywide Non-Cooperation movement began. The government servants were asked to give up their jobs. The students and teachers came out of classes to join the movement. The boycott of British goods was the part of the programme. The movement was to be completely non-violent. Fight against social evils of untouchability, gambling, drinking and moneylender’s exploitation was also on the agenda.
The movement continued for two years. To add impetus to the movement Civil Disobedience Movement was announced from Bardoli. The civil servants were asked to disobey the orders of the government. The people were asked to stop paying taxes.
The movement started in the beginning of the February, 1922 snowballed into a storm in no time throughout the country. The administration brutally tried to crush the movement. The people began to retaliate impulsively.
Only a few days later some violent agitators shut 21 police personnel in Chauri-Chaura police station near Gorakhpur and set it on fire. All the policemen got burnt to death.
It shocked Mahatma Gandhi. He condemned the incident. There was no place for violence in his scheme of things.
The man of principles, Mahatma Gandhi was so anguished that he announced the suspension of the movement saying the people were not yet ready for such movements.
It dismayed the people and many leaders. But Gandhi was not the man to compromise.
Meanwhile he was arrested and sentenced to six years imprisonment for inciting rebellion.
Gandhi fell ill in the jail. On 13th January, 1924 he was operated upon for appendicitis. The operating doctors advised him complete rest. He was released on 5th February, 1924 on health grounds.
On 27th June, 1924 Congress Session was held at Ahmedabad. Mahatma Gandhi attended it ignoring doctor’s advice against it.
Meanwhile the British were busy in sowing the seeds of disunity between Hindu and Muslim communities through their agents. As a result the country saw worst communal riots all over the country.
It saddened Mahatma Gandhi. He was of firm faith that communal harmony was essential to win freedom from the British.
Mahatma Gandhi rushed to Delhi and met Mohammad Ali Jinnah at his house. To stop the situation going out of hand Mahatma Gandhi sat on 21 day fast on 18th September, 1924 for communal amity at Jinnah’s house.
The news of Gandhi’s fast swept through the country. It had the desired effect. The shock treatment worked. The leaders of both the communities came to Gandhi and promised that they will work for communal harmony.
For the British rulers communal amity was a danger signal.
Shopping Cart
