Revisit: ETV Bharat's special stories on Bapu

ETV Bharat has been publishing special packages on its website since August 15. Let us revisit the stories related to Bapu.

Hyderabad (Telangana): This year, India will be celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. To pay a special tribute to the 'Father of the Nation', ETV Bharat has been publishing special packages on its website since August 15. Let us revisit the stories related to Bapu.

The year 1930 was a crucial year in India's history as it was then that Mahatma Gandhi broke the oppressive British salt law on the coastal town of Dandi, which led to the nationwide civil disobedience movement. The Salt Satyagraha Movement was launched in Odisha under the able leadership of HK Mahatab, the President of Utkal Pradesh Congress Committee.

In our history books, we have all seen a photograph of a kid walking enthusiastically ahead of Mahatma Gandhi holding one end of his walking stick on the beaches. Though his name is never mentioned anywhere, he is Tulendra Verma, who later on, was known as Swami Atmanand. Tulendra was born on 6 October 1929 in a village of Chhattisgarh's Raipur. His father Dhaniram Verma was a teacher and was deeply influenced by Gandhi's ideology. Perhaps this was the reason that Tulendra had an opportunity to meet Gandhi and to know his philosophies. Tulendra Verma was later known as Swami Atmanand.

Mahatma Gandhi's visit to Katni in Madhya Pradesh had a long-lasting impact on society. He established a swadeshi educational system, promoted 'Forest Satyagrah' and coined the term 'Bardoli of Madhya Pradesh' for Katni.

The Sevagram ashram here, which was Mahatma Gandhi's 'hut' has now become a place of attraction. Many tourist and followers of Mahatma Gandhi visit this place. Mahatma Gandhi, commonly known as 'Bapu' liked living in villages and so he settled at the Sevagram ashram in 1935. He used to be always busy with all sort of cleaning work here. Also, the people living here were quite active and it facilitated in helping Bapu to live a simple and active life.

Mahatma Gandhi had led the Freedom movement from the Mani Bhavan. It was here that he learned spinning yarn for the first time. Lakhs of people visit this historic location every year. Mahatma Gandhi's room on the second floor is the most viewed place by the visitors of the Mani Bhavan. There is a museum next to this room. The room in which Gandhi lived, still has the telephone used by him. The Bhavan has also preserved various books read by him, this also includes the Bible, Quran and Hindu religious books, making the room a major attraction in the Mani Bhavan.

Mahatma Gandhi left his footprints at several places throughout the country, inspiring people to join the freedom movement. When Gandhi visited Andhra Pradesh, the freedom movement was gaining momentum with massive protests and agitations were taking place. Among all the agitations, the Chirala-Perala Movement was a notable one which was led by Duggirala Gopalakrishnayya, also known by his title of 'Andhra Ratna'.

Bapu visited Pallipadu in Indukooripet Mandal of Nellore district twice during the course of his lifetime. On the banks of the sacred Pinakini river here, Bapu established an Ashram, which was inaugurated on April 7, 1921. The ashram is well known as the 'Second Sabarmati'.

There are several memoirs of Gandhiji, the Father of the Nation, for Telugu land. Bapuji had a special relationship with several regions in the state. He had a inseparable relationship with Vijayawada, the commercial capital of the Andhra. He visited Vijayawada city several times and ignited the spirit of the agitation. Gandhiji visited the city six times -- in 1919,1920,1921, 1929, 1937, 1946. In 1921, Mahatma stayed in Vijayawada for seven days. He conducted All India Working Committee Meeting there. It was held in the present Bapu Museum of Bandar Road. It was only then, Pingali Venkaiah handed over the tri-colour flag that he developed as National Flag, which was approved by Bapu.

Mahatma Gandhi once faced tremendous opposition in united Bihar's Deoghar when he came here for a special purpose. As soon as a faction of a particular religion came to know about Baapu's visit it became so angry that Gandhiji had to return back midway. This incident came to light on 25 April 1934, when Mahatma Gandhi was going to visit the Baba Baidyanath Dham in Deoghar. His visit ignited a faction of the Panda society as he got the news that Gandhiji wanted to enter the Dalits in the temple.

Despite being the strong leader that Mahatma Gandhi was, he often faced criticism for his ideologies and policies, mostly from other prominent leaders. Subhash Chandra Bose was one among those. Both of them often had tiffs over each other's opinions. Bose and Gandhi also once had a tussle for the chair of Congress president. Congress' first session in Jharkhand's Ramgarh was a witness to it. Gandhi encouraged the women of Ramgarh to abolish practices like parda, untouchability, illiteracy and superstitions prevailing in the society and appealed to everyone to join the freedom movement. Certainly, the foundation of Quit India Movement had been laid. He appealed everyone to join the freedom struggle. Ramgarh is one among the 16 places where Gandhi's ashes were immersed. It has been 7 decades since his demise, but his memories and teachings have neither faded, nor forgotten by the people of India.

Uttarakhand is referred to as 'Devbhoomi' for having numerous temples and pilgrimage centres, it also has historical importance as Father of the Nation planted a sapling here during the freedom movement. Mahatma Gandhi planted a Peepal sapling on 17 October 1929 at Sahansai Ashram in Dehradun.

The Gandhi Bhajan, held every evening at Gandhi Bhawan in Hardoi district of Uttar Pradesh, is famous across the country. For the last six years, Gandhi Bhajan is being organised every day at 5:30 pm without any hindrance. Gandhians, who follow different religions, gather here in the evening and sing the songs written by the Mahatma. A message of 'Sarva Dharma Sambhav' is given to all after reading the teachings of every religion.

Mahatma Gandhi's contribution to India's freedom struggle left a lasting imprint on the minds of people at every place he ever visited. During his visit (in the 1920s), a prominent freedom fighter from the city Ramnarayan Singh became a close ally of Gandhi. The two discussed topics like widow remarriage, illiteracy and untouchability for hours. There were also several exchanges of letters between them.

Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy of 'Satya and Ahimsa' had influenced thousands of people across India throughout India. Gandhi's visit to Madhya Pradesh's Mandala was solely for the purpose of the upliftment of these untouchables. He coined a new term 'Harijan' for them in order to fill the persisting void between the lower and upper classes of the society.

Bihar's Siwan has given India prominent leaders like Dr Rajendra Prasad and Maulana Haque, and their presence prompted Mahatma Gandhi to visit the state several times. During his first visit to the state in 1927, Gandhi addressed 30,000 people at Siwan's Mairwa. He also addressed gatherings at the Mairwa Nautan intersection during the Dandi March and Quit India Movement. An ashram along with a platform for public gatherings was built in Siwan from where Gandhiji initiated the Salt Satyagraha movement. He also used to plan and discuss strategies against British rule during his stay.

Uma Shankar Prasad, known as the Gandhi and Malviya of Maharajganj in Uttar Pradesh was a prominent supporter of Mahatma Gandhi during the freedom struggle. One of the lesser-known leaders, he accompanied Gandhi in Salt Satyagraha, Non-Cooperation Movement and Quit India Movement. He provided financial assistance for the struggle as a result of which, his house was burnt down by the British. Despite this, he helped Gandhi gather rebellion youth to participate in the struggle against the British.

During his visit to Chhattisgarh on November 1933, Mahatma Gandhi immersed himself into bhajans, confining with God every evening, while working for the upliftment of the Dalit community. Hundreds of people donated items for the 'Harijan Fund' under Gandhi's influence. While following his daily routine of making rounds of the area and meeting people, he worked upon the elimination of untouchability and caste discrimination from Chhattisgarh. His message of love to the people of the state is still evident displayed by the social harmony still persistent in the region.

Chhattisgarh held special significance in Mahatma Gandhi's life, as it was here that Bapu started his Harijanodhar programme. During the course of his lifetime, Bapu visited the state twice. Bapu's first visit to the state came in 1920, when local farmers were reeling under the oppressive policies of the British. When the Mahatma visited Dhamtari as part of the Kandel Satyagraha, the news of his arrival sent the irrigation department into a state of panic, who were forced to repeal all orders issued against farmers.

Champaran holds special significance in India's struggle for freedom, as it is here that Mahatma Gandhi launched the first Civil Disobedience Movement after witnessing the plight of indigo farmers.

Buxar played an immensely significant role in Gandhi's Satyagraha movement. The Mahatma, known for non-violence, laid the foundation for the freedom movement in Shahabad. It can be safely said that Gandhi's Buxar chapter eventually led to his transformation into Mahatma.

Champaran district in Bihar is where the transformation of Mohandas into the Mahatma began. It is the place where passive political resistance gained acceptance as 'Satyagraha.' ETV Bharat brings you the story of India's historic and most important chapter in the independence struggle.

Chambal - A place known for immense socio-economic disparity and as a sanctuary of outlaws gave peace a chance when Gandhian ideology swept through the valley. The fearless dacoits in the area gave up their arms inspired by the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi.

During his visit to Jhansi in 1930, Mahatma Gandhi inspired a youth, Durga Prasad Sharma, to join the freedom struggle. The latter also wrote a letter to Bapu expressing his desire to join the movement. Gandhiji immediately responded to the letter and requested him to stage a demonstration in Bundelkhand, by bringing together energetic people who can contribute to the freedom struggle. The letter is still preserved by the daughter-in-law of Durga Prasad.

Gandhiji on his maiden visit to Delhi after coming back from South Africa in 1915 had stayed with the principal of the St. Stephens College, Prof Sushil Kumar Rudra, inside the college premises. Gandhi Ji had a very special relationship with the college. The Quit India Movement was designed at the conference hall of the Stephen College after one hour thirty minutes long meeting which involved several students, principal and teachers. Gandhi Ji also had dinner in the house of Hakim Ajmal Khan Sahib, the renowned Hakim and Congress leader of Delhi.

Mahatma Gandhi was on his way to his daily prayer meeting when an assassin shot him on January 30, 1948, in the compound of Birla House in New Delhi. Gandhi's assassin Nathuram Godse bought the pistol and took training for the dreadful act in Madhya Pradesh's Gwalior. Nathuram Godse who was convicted for killing the father of the nation became a hero for Hindu Maha Sabha. He was hanged to death on November 15, 1949, and his supporters observe this day as 'sacrifice day.' Gandhi’s assassination had both an immediate and lasting impact in the country.

During the rising era of Independence of India, Lucknow witnessed the historic meet of Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi and first Prime Minister of India Jawaharlal Nehru. The meeting created a huge impact over Jawaharlal Nehru which motivated and influenced him to follow the Gandhian ideology.

Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy left an indelible impression on millions of people across the globe. During one of his marches to Damoh, Gandhi on 2 December 1933 in collaboration with the Harijan Sevak Sangh laid the foundation stone of the Harijan Gurudwara in Madhya Pradesh. Bapu's statue outside the Gurudwara still makes the devotees fell his presence.

The teachings of Mahatma Gandhi narrate his greatness and the places where he went during freedom struggle are still taken care of as our national heritage. Gandhiji visited Madhya Pradesh 10 times, out of which, during his third visit on 6 January 1921 in Chhindwara, he laid the foundation of the non-cooperation movement. Mahatma Gandhi sacrifices are still remembered by the people of our nation. There are lots of Bapu's memories associated with Madhya Pradesh and to cherish these memories many villages and towns are renamed after Gandhi.

The non-cooperation movement led by Mahatama Gandhi had gained momentum across the country by 1930. The movement gained a lot of public support in Bundelkhand and around 60,000 people took a pledge in Sinhpur to boycott foreign goods and decided not to pay tax. In an attempt to prevent this massive movement, the British military massacred around 200 people, turning the spot into Bundelkhand's 'Jallianwala Bagh'.

Though the name Jabalpur does not instantly come to mind when one talks about India's freedom struggle, the city held immense significance in the life of Mahatma Gandhi. It was here that Bapu first used the term 'Harijans' for the 'untouchables', and held an important Congress meeting which marked the beginning of the 'Harijan Andolan'. However, the city is also witness to the Mahatma's biggest political defeat. In the 1939 Congress presidential election, Subhash Chandra Bose narrowly defeated Pattabhi Sitaramayya, the candidate backed by Gandhi.

One can hear the sounds of bells, priest chanting the mantras and people offering prayers to the deity in this temple. But, the one thing that stands out about this temple is that Mahatma Gandhi is worshipped by the villagers instead of a deity. This temple in the western part of Odisha stands above all religions, castes, and creeds. Anyone can visit this temple. The priest of this temple is from a non-Brahmin caste.

Mahatma Gandhi's second memorial is situated in Barwani, on the banks of Narmada in Madhya Pradesh is fighting for its identity.

One of the momentous events in the history of India's struggle for independence was the Dandi Salt March led by Mahatma Gandhi. The historic event brought the entire nation together in the fight against the British. But what happened to the salt which was made? It was split into portions and sent all across India. One such portion was auctioned in Allahabad for Rs 500 by the Congress. To this day, the Allahabad Museum has carefully preserved the historic handful of salt, along with other artefacts related to the Mahatma - like his pocket watch and his pictures clicked during his visits to the city.

A decade before India attained independence, Mahatma Gandhi had visited Lucknow and planted a sapling at the residence of Congress leader Sheela Kaul in Lucknow. Today, the sapling stands as a full-grown Banyan tree, serves both as an inspiration and a reminder of India's freedom struggle.

History has been kind to Mahatma Gandhi. His words, ideas and vision continue to influence the Indian worldview even today. A Gandhi Mandir in Takula village of Uttarakhand played a vital role during the Sathyagraha movement and sheds light on Gandhi's legacy.

Apart from its undulating hills and its pristine beauty, Kausani village of Uttarakhand's Bageshwar is famous for Anasakti Ashram among the tourists. The Ashram, also known as Gandhi Ashram, is a tea bungalow where Bapu stayed for two weeks in 1929 during Coolie-Begar movement. He wrote 'Anashaktiyog', a book inspired by Bhagavad Gita, during his stay at the ashram.

As the nation celebrates 72 years of freedom and independence, we look at an instance from the freedom struggle which culminated in India's birth as a free nation. Mahatma Gandhi, the leader of India's independence struggle, once sold his utensils and belongings to raise funds to keep the freedom movement going.

This Gandhian Era Power Project in Uttarakhand's Mussoorie still generates electricity to light up the Galogi region. The historical power station, commissioned at the time of British rule, started functioning in 1912 and has brought development to the hill state and speaks volumes about the British rule and India's history.