Tracing Mahatma Gandhi's Madurai connect

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi took the brave decision to shed his traditional attire and get into a ‘loincloth,’ which remained with him till death. The historic decision of the Mahatma to identify himself with the common man embellished Madurai’s reputation as an ancient city that enhanced even an ordinary man’s spiritual strength.

Madurai:Father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi's legacy of ahimsa, secularism, peace and diversity always aspires to remain connected to virtues like simplicity, frugality and patience. And the temple town Madurai has a strong bond with his traditional attire and 'loincloth' which remained with him till death.

The Indian freedom struggle led by Mahatma Gandhi stands out from the other freedom struggles of the world in the pages of history till date.

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, an ordinary man turned leader, led the Indian freedom struggle against the Britishers through non-violence by mobilizing the mass and instilling patriotism in them.

Gandhi’s footsteps that travelled across the Indian subcontinent for the freedom of enslaved India, made its impression in the city of Madurai as well, leaving a mark of its own in the history of the Indian freedom struggle.

The historic decision of the Mahatma to identify himself with the common man embellished Madurai’s reputation as an ancient city that enhanced even an ordinary man’s spiritual strength.

He later recalled that though he came closer to taking a decision on his clothing on a couple of earlier occasions, it was Madurai that gave him the necessary strength.

In an interview with Dr Ram Ponnu, the author of the book ‘Madhuraiyil Gandhi’, he said, "Gandhi’s first visit to Madurai was on March 26 and 27, 1919 seeking support for his Sathyagraha movement against the Rowlatt Act. During his visit, he stayed at George Joseph Palace in Azhvaarpuram."

"He visited Madurai once again on September 21 and 22, 1921 to campaign about the Non-Cooperation movement and Swadeshi Khadi and stayed at the residence of Ramji Kalyanji on Melamaasi road. It was during this visit that Gandhi decided to wear minimal clothes after seeing the half-dressed peasants, as he thought that he is one among the laymen suffering from poverty," Dr Ponnu said.

"The same evening, Gandhi appeared and spoke on stage for the first time wearing a loincloth at a public meeting held at Madurai-Ramanathapuram road. This spot, situated near the Rayalu Iyer Maternity home, is now known by the name ‘Gandhi Pottal’ and his statue has been established in front of the hospital, where he made the public speech," he said.

"Gandhi stayed at the George Joseph Palace during his visit to Madurai on September 28 and 30, 1927 to campaign for the Swadeshi movement. Later, Gandhi visited Madurai again on January 25 and 26, 1934 as part of his Harijan upliftment campaign. This time, he stayed at the residence of N.M.R Subburaaman, who was called as Madurai's Gandhi at that time," he added.

Speaking of the incident, Jothi Prakash, the grand nephew of N.M.R Subburaaman said, “Mahatma’s visit to our house happened during the Harijan upliftment campaign. I have heard from my father that during his visit, my uncle Sivaprakash who was four years old at that time sat on Mahatma’s lap. It was greatly adored and welcomed by Gandhiji.”

The house is being maintained to this day in remembrance of Mahatma Gandhi’s visit.

"On January 12 and 21 of 1937, Gandhi made it a habit to visit Madurai while he was on his way to Thiruvidhangoor and also on his way back. But, he did not stay at Madurai this time. He then visited and worshipped at the Meenakshi Amman temple on February 2 and 3, 1946 after the backward class people were allowed to worship at the temple. During this visit, he stayed at the palace that belonged to the King of Sivagangai, which is presently situated inside the Meenakshi Government Arts College for Women," Subburaaman said.

"The Gandhi Memorial Museum is another historically significant landmark. Nandha Rao, the Director of the museum said, “Gandhi Memorial Museum, Madurai is the first museum in India to be established in honour of the memories of Mahatma Gandhi. A blood-stained cloth that Gandhi was wearing when he was assassinated is kept in display at the museum. Around 6 lakh people visit the museum every year. The museum plays an important role in carrying Mahatma Gandhi’s glory throughout India and also around the world," he said.

The memories of the person who roamed every nook and corner of the nation to gain independence remain as a part of Madurai’s chronology and the people of Madurai desire to preserve this and pass it on to future generations.