It
is well known that Gandhi fought not only against colonialism or imperialism,
but also against casteism, superstitions, social oppression, economic
exploitation, religious hatred etc, with equal vigour and dynamism. The mission
of Gandhi i.e. the fight for independence was a part of the struggle of
suffering humanity against oppression. To achieve the goal of his mission through
mass based support Gandhi paid visits to different parts of the country and
Orissa was one such region.
Contributions
of Gandhi to Orissa can be studied in its better perspective by analyzing the content
and impact of his various visits to Orissa, which started in 1921 and continued
as long as 1946. Since his first visit to the last for about seven times (despite
his busy involvement in national programmes and problems) he came always with a
definite objective and he did not take rest till the purpose was fulfilled. He
had a special place and concern for Orissa, because of the special socio-economic
political backward condition of the people, which is being reflected in most of
his speeches and writings. In this paper an attempt has been made to analyse
and highlight the special contributions of Gandhi to Orissa in the light of the
then political, socio-economic condition of the province, the response of
people and to identify the causes responsible for the success of Gandhi in his
mission.
Gandhi
and National Movement in Orissa
Gandhi's role in popularizing the Congress movement
in Orissa is quite significant. His contribution to the freedom movement in
Orissa can be known in its right perspective in the light of the political
situation and activities in Orissa prior to the advent of Gandhi.
Orissa
participated actively in the deliberations of the Indian National Congress
right from the beginning. But the problems of Orissa never found a place in the Congress
agenda for discussion before 1920, i.e. the emergence of Gandhi. During that
time the great national leaders of the Congress had no concern for Orissa. This
apathy of the Congress was the main reason for which the National Congress
could not become popular in Orissa till 1921. The fact that from 1885 to 1900
only a small number of 14 delegates from Orissa attended only 6 sessions of the
Congress clearly indicates the lack of interest of the Oriyas in the Congress
and the national movement. Of course there is no denying that Orissa played an important
role in the Swadeshi Movement (1905- 06) under the leadership of Madhusudan
Das.
After
realizing the futility of the Indian National Congress as a forum, a forum of
Oriya under the leadership of Madhusudan Das formed a regional organization
known as Utkala Union Conference in 1903. Thereafter the Oriyas diverted
their attention to regional problems and tried to seek redressal of their
grievances through the goodwill and blessings of the British government instead
of the National Congress.
It
was again in 1921, with Gandhi's visit (first) to Orissa that the interest of
the Oriyas in the National Congress and national movement was revived. His
first visit gave a tremendous impetus to the freedom movement in Orissa. It once
again stimulated the people's zeal and enthusiasm for the cause of national
movement. The Gandhian ideas, programmes and techniques were highly appreciated
and widely accepted by the people.
In
that context the 'Utkala Dipika' the leading newspaper of that time wrote:
"Mahatma Gandhi now stands higher and higher having scored a triumph
which was seldom attained by any Indian politician".2Further it wrote,
"Orissa has accepted the principle of non-violent noncooperation creed
preached by Mahatma Gandhi". It urged the Oriyas therefore to plunge into
the national movement without fear.
Gandhi's
maiden appearance on the land of Orissa in 1921 drew large crowds, wherever he
went. About his first tour the government reported." In this land
(Orissa) of Hindus, Mr. Gandhi was considered as an Avatar of the deity and a
worker of miracles".
In
fact the places where he halted and held meetings became places of pilgrimage.
He was looked upon by many people as their saviour. After a long time the people
of Orissa felt that it was only through Gandhiji that their cause could be
projected in the all India level. Therefore all that Gandhi wanted to
accomplish relating the freedom struggle were carried on in right earnest by
the people who had developed faith and confidence in him.
The
Gandhian freedom movement with its political programme of non-cooperation,
Civil-Disobedience and Quit India spread far and wide in Orissa. After a lapse
of several years Orissa again responded to the call of Indian National Congress.
Thus the Congress movement was brought to Orissa by Gandhi and was popularized by
his followers like Gopabandhu Das and others. In fact the advent of Gandhi in
Orissa politics in general and freedom movement in particular assumed a kind of
dynamism which was not known before.
Gandhi's
Response to the Oriya Movement
Though
Gandhi brought the Congress Movement to Orissa, he also favoured the movement
of the Oriyas for the creation of a separate province. Prior to 1921 there was
no place for Orissa and Oriya problems in the Indian National Congress. In 1920
Gandhi reshaped the Congress for the ensuring struggle for independence.
Thereafter the Congress accepted the principle of forming provinces on
linguistic basis and since then Orissa found a place in the annals of the
Congress*.
Referring
to the question of amalgamation of Oriya speaking tracts he wrote; "Orissa
has a good grievance, the authors of Oriya Movement have described that Orissa
has been vivisected for political purposes.”
As
the Telugus in some areas were in majority and the Oriyas were minority, he
advised them that the stronger should accept the claim of the weak. He wrote in
that context; “I have ventured to suggest some simple rules for their
guidance. One golden rule of universal application that we must learn from our present
struggle is that the stronger must yield to the weaker. In case of doubt the weaker
must have the verdict".
It
goes without saying that Gandhi was in favour of the union of Oriya speaking
tracts and their formation into a separate unit*.
In
fact the favourable views of Gandhi on the formation of linguistic province
interested the Oriyas all the more in Gandhi. Regarding a separate Orissa he
said: “I have always raised the issue in the discussion with the Congress authorities.
I shall press for it myself as representative of Orissa at the Round Table Conference".
Gandhi
always tried to bring the problems of Orissa to the notice of others. He
reflected on the political situation in Orissa by maintaining that much has
been left to be done for the region which is exposed to natural calamities
causing great disadvantages. He also made it known that Orissa's feeble voice
was got drowned (prior to 1920) in the presence of more influential members
inside the Congress organization. In view of that he remarked that the minority
opinions should not be ignored. Moreover his recommendation* for the Orissa
leaders and Orissa problem helped them win support from various other quarters.
In
fact his sympathetic and considerate views and reports on the genuine Orissa
problems and grievances proved beyond doubt his concern and commitment for the
people of Orissa. All this helped to generate a feeling of goodwill among the
Oriyas for him. They rightly realized that through him their cause could be
better projected in the all India level. Thus due to the concern of Gandhi for
Orissa, the faith in Congress was again generated, and that encouraged the leaders
to launch the non-cooperation movement in a big way in Orissa, which was just
the beginning of the end.
Social
Services and Social Welfare Activities of Gandhi in Orissa
Gandhi's
advent brought not only radical change in the political atmosphere and activities
of Orissa but also helped in a significant manner the all round development of
Orissa. Though he visited Orissa in 1921 with a view to baptizing the people in
the new creed of non-cooperation movement but subsequently and consequently he paid
many more visits for the love and deep concern which he developed for the poor
and suffering masses of the region which he saw personally.
Gandhi
was convinced of the need to get familiar with the regional problem and their intricacies,
after he took charge the leadership of Congress. In 1918 and 1919 severe
drought and flood in Orissa brought great misery and suffering for the masses
which Gandhi came to know, and immediately he decided to act. The main purpose for
which he visited Orissa in March 1921 was to see the condition of the people
and to do something for them. He wrote an article in Navjivan underlying the
need for urgent and generous help for the famine stricken people of Orissa.Realizing
that the region was unknown to the outside world, he quoted Rabindra Nath Tagore
in this write-up to inform the people that 'Utkala' was a famous land and place
of great pilgrimage for the Hindus. He deputed one of his associates Thakkar
Bapa first to camp in Orissa and conduct relief work there in 1920 with Rs.50000/-
13 collected from the people of Gujarat for the flood affected people of Puri.
After
his return from Orissa many a time he narrated "Orissa as the epitome of
India's poverty" in his speeches. He also wrote two articles captioned "My
Orissa Tour" and Orissa and Andhra" in Navjiban
and Young India respectively. Referring to the condition of the peasants he
said that the Oriyas were poorer than the peasants of Champaran. At Puri the
victims of famine wrung his heart, so much so that he wrote "it was my
first visit to Orissa, I would like to put on record some of the ineffaceable
scenes and memories of this province". Because of this situation in Orissa
he believed and advised those people who wanted to serve the poor to go to Utkala
or Orissa. On a number of occasions he said that he felt a deep urge to settle
down in Utkala and serve the poor people of the province.
He
felt and believed that Orissa’s condition could be ameliorated by selfless and
full time dedicated workers with missionary zeal and spirit. Therefore whenever
any sincere and dedicated person sought his advice as to where to work he advised
him to go to Orissa. At his instance the Christian missionary C.F. Andrews
stayed in Orissa for some months to render service to the needy, particularly
the flood affected and poverty stricken people. Similarly Jivaramji Kalayanji Kothari,
a follower of Gandhi dedicated his life and property to the service of Orissa.
In 1927 along with his wife he established an Ashram at Bhadrak. Ishwarlal Vyas
and his wife Purubai being inspired by Gandhi set up an Ashram at Soro. As has
already been mentioned, at the root of Thakkar Bapa's dedication and commitment
to Orissa, it was only Gandhi's inspiration, that guided them.
Not
only that he was worried about the flood or other problems of Orissa, but also
he was equally bothered as to how to seek solution for the same. To control the
flood problem in Orissa, he invited Vishweshraiya, the most famous engineer of
that time to come to Orissa. At his instance he came and stayed for about 12
days, made intensive investigation of the problem by touring extensively.
Though at that time his fees per day was Rs.10000/- he did not take a single pie
not even his travelling expenses because of Gandhi's special love for Orissa.
Gandhi's
Role in improving the Economic Condition of Orissa
Gandhi rightly realized that
in Orissa apart from natural causes there is a human factor, i.e. the indolent
habit of the people responsible for their poverty. He severely criticized the
people and seriously thought of how to deal with this problem. His feeling was
that the only remedy for eradication of poverty lay in the promotion of Charkha
and Khadi work in the villages. His strong conviction was that the spinning
wheel is the only means that can provide food and work to the poverty-stricken
people.
Therefore
on his advice hundreds of Charkha centres were poened in Orissa. He exhorted
the Congress workers and leaders to make Orissa "the Khadi store of India".
Accordingly Gopabandhu Das, Niranjan Pattanayak and some other leaders tried
their best to make Khadi an efficient vehicle for the relief of poverty and
flood-stricken people of Orissa. The extension of Charakha centres, production
and sale of Khadi undoubtedly helped to solve the problem of unemployment and
improve the economic condition of the people. To some extent it also taught the
people the ideas of Swadeshi, self-reliance and self-confidence.
In
accordance with the instruction of Gandhi a scheme was drawn up to start
centres to promote self-sufficiency in Khadi. Spinning wheels were
distributed*. With this the Congress workers were able to create love for
Swadeshi among the Oriyas. That was a great achievement of Gandhi. Apart from
all this in meetings in his speeches time and again he said; "Orissa in
the poorest province in India and this can be easily removed if evenly one uses
Khadi." Wherever he went he exhorted his audience to use Khadi only,
instead of mill made cloth. At his instance Khadi and spinning exhibitions were
organized at different places. During his visits he devoted specific time for
the propagation and popularization of Khadi and Charakha.
Not
only he professed, propagated, popularized, exhorted and appealed for the use of
Khadi to improve the economic condition of the people, but also he arranged
funds for the same. The amount which was raised for the All India Spinners'
Association in Utkala was quite inadequate. Moreover sometimes Khadi work in Orissa
suffered losses. As per rules laid down by the Central Organization such
centres were to be closed down. However, the rule was was relaxed in case of Utkala
on the advice of Gandhi. At the instance of Gandhi Jivaramji Kalyanji Kothari also
contributed one lakh rupees to Gandhi Seva Sangha for Khadi work.
Thus
his programme of Charkha and Khadi implemented for the purpose of economic salvation
of the province deserves praise and appreciation. It was meant for the
employment and general welfare of the masses. Moreover due to his efforts the
village industries and handicrafts were revived and developed through the
support of the Orissa Government (Congress Ministry).
Gandhi's
efforts for the removal of untouchability Gandhi's relation with Orissa
deepened gradually because of his emphasis on his constructive work. He
launched his constructive Programme for the socio-economic regeneration of the
country. Though Gandhi was an astute politician, he was a social reformer too.
At times he remained aloof from politics and preached the idea of eradication
of untouchability, emancipation of women, elimination of drink, protection of
cow, popularization of cottage industry, promotion of Charakha Khadi etc.
The
Harijan movement which he started in Orissa occupies a special place in the
social history of modern India. His contributions for the uplift of women and
other depressed classes in Orissa was also quite noteworthy. During the freedom
struggle the people of Orissa accepted the Gandhian ideal of social reform. The
Harijan movement was one such ideal which helped in the transformation of the
Orissa society during the first half of the 20th century.
During
his third visit to Orissa in 1927 he spoke highly in favour of temple entry of
the so called untouchables. He made a settlement with the trustees of the
Raghunath temple and entered into it with the untouchables. Earlier in 1925
during his second visit to Orissa at the Utkala Tannery of Madhusudan das, in
order to make Gandhi feel happy, the
address was presented by the untouchables. As desired by Gandhi during his visit
to different places and meetings, he was mostly garlanded by untouchables. At
several places he invited the untouchables to dine with him and engaged the
Congress and Harijan workers in taking classes and cleaning the Harijan colonies.
He personally went to the Harijan colonies and interacted with them. He
instructed the upper caste Hindus to maintain contact with the Harijans at
personal level. At his instance there were intercaste marriages between the
Brahmins and Harijans. His fifth visit to Orissa in 1934 is most memorable as
at that time he undertook the main mission of his life, i.e. Harijan uplift and
removal of untouchability. Incidentally this mission was meant for the whole of
the country which he started from the holy land Jagannath Dham Puri in Orissa.
This sacred mission he started through Padajatra or foot march with two fold
objectives, i.e. (1) removal of Untouchability, (2) collecting money for the
Harijan fund. Addressing a big gathering at Kabirpur during the foot march he
said that God could not live in a temple where Harijans were not allowed to
enter. On another occasion when he was invited to visit the famous Sakhigopal
temple where Khadi was exclusively used by the deities, though he was impressed
but he declined to go as free access to the temple was not given to the untouchables.
However at Balianta he was able to open the Kunjabihari temple to the Harijans.
Being
inspired by him many Congress workers and leaders opened some temples in their respective
areas for the Harijans. Through various means and methods he collected money
for the Harijan Fund. It was because of Gandhi's interest and insistence that Utkala
got the larger share than the normal quota from the central fund for the
Harijan Sevak Sangha. It was in the interest of Gandhi that the First and
Second Congress Ministry in Orissa passed Various Acts for the welfare of the Harijans
and removal of untouchability. The Harijan movement of Gandhi in Orissa was the
first step in his programme of breaking down all barriers whatever which
divided and distanced man from man.
Gandhi's
Impact on Women Gandhi's visits and contacts in Orissa had tremendous impact on
the female community also. A good number of women being influenced by him and
his programmes gave up purdah and their secluded life and not only they
actively participated in the political programmes and movements but also
dedicated their lives to social work in the villages. There was remarkable
degree of awakening among them. The most noteworthy among them were Rama Devi.
Sarala Devi, Malati Devi who took the lead role under the guidance of Gandhi
for the mass awakening of women in Orissa.
There
is no denying that Gandhi succeeded to some extent in bringing the problems of
Orissa to the attention of others and in generating their goodwill and support
for the Oriya people. His considerate and sympathetic views on the Orissa problems,
i.e. socio-economic and political proved beyond doubt his genuine concern for Orissa.
It was out of his genuine love and sympathetic sympathy for the
poverty-stricken people of Orissa, which he described as "the land of
sorrows and tears" that he made trip after trip to the land that was
"dearest to him in the whole of India". During his several trips to
Orissa Gandhi
undertook
extensive tours even long padajatras, held numerous public and private
meetings. At that time apart from explaining the people and convincing them
about his programmes and ideologies, his objective was to know and comprehend
the grievances of the common people. Moreover through his writings, his speeches,
contacts and example of his personal life he won the hearts of the people of
Orissa.
Conclusion
Gandhi
because of his special concern for Orissa received tremendous support and cooperation
from the masses in his political programme of national liberation and his constructive
programme for socio-economic regeneration. More particularly the first and second
Congress Ministry (1937-1039 / 1946- 47) initiated and implemented a number of
social and educational welfare programmes according to the ideals of Gandhi and
as desired by Gandhi. These programmes included the removal of untouchability,
prohibition scheme and uplift of backward classes, and women and development of
basic education. In the light of the above mentioned discussion it may be
concluded that Gandhian Contributions to Orissa's socioeconomic and political
life was immense and most remarkable. It was due to his inspiration that there was
general awakening social and political among the masses. It was due to him that
the Orissa people began to take greater interest in national problems in
politics. Under his leadership Orissa played a vigorous role in the national
movement. He made the problems and genuine grievances of Orissa people known to
others at various forums and quarters. Through various means and methods he
tried to solve the linguistic, cultural and economic problems of Orissa. His
leadership qualities and techniques brought the Oriya women from Purdah to
public platform. In course of time women played an effective role in the social
and political movements of contemporary India.
Dr. (Mrs.) B.K.Sarma
Courtesy:
Orisssa Review, January 2008
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