On June 7, 1893, 131 years ago, Mahatama Gandhi‘s first satyagraha began when he was thrown off a first-class train in South Africa for being non-white.

Background of Gandhi’s First Satyagraha in South Africa

• Racial Discrimination: In Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, Mahatma Gandhi was forcibly removed from a first-class train compartment due to racial discrimination.
  •  Despite having a ticket, a European passenger demanded his removal, stating that non-whites were not allowed in first class. 
• Birth of Satyagraha: This incident was a crucial turning point for Gandhi, igniting his struggle against racial oppression and developing his Satyagraha philosophy (nonviolent resistance).
• First Satyagraha Campaign: In 1906, Gandhi launched his inaugural Satyagraha (nonviolent resistance) campaign in Johannesburg against an ordinance restricting Asians.
• Organizing Civil Disobedience: He organized mass meetings and promoted civil disobedience to oppose discriminatory laws.
• Imprisonment and Volkrust Satyagraha: Gandhi was imprisoned multiple times for his nonviolent protests, including the notable Volkrust Satyagraha in 1913.

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Gandhi’s Contributions in South Africa

• Inspiration: In 1893, Gandhi arrived in South Africa to manage a legal case but soon found inspiration to champion the rights of Indians in the country.
• Founding the Natal Indian Congress: In 1894, he organized the Indian community in Durban and established the Natal Indian Congress to campaign for Indian voting rights.
• Legal Advocacy Against Discrimination: Through his law practice, Gandhi confronted discrimination and racism, representing Indians and addressing their grievances.
• Establishing the Transvaal British Indian Association: In 1903, Gandhi mobilized support for the welfare of Indians and founded the Transvaal British Indian Association in Johannesburg.
• Engaging in Interfaith Debates: He debated Christians who challenged his orthodoxy, which led him to develop a more inclusive spirituality.

Gandhi’s Impact in South Africa

• Mobilizing the Indian Community: Gandhi’s activism and leadership galvanized the Indian community to resist discriminatory laws and regulations.
• Influence on Nonviolent Resistance: His nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience methods significantly influenced the South African Native National Congress, established in 1912.
• Shaping the Independence Movement: Gandhi’s political ideas and mobilization efforts contributed to the formation and direction of the South African independence movement.
• Indian Relief Act Achievement: Through his activism and negotiations, Gandhi persuaded the South African government to enact the Indian Relief Act in 1914.
• Abolishing Discriminatory Laws: This act eliminated several discriminatory laws and acknowledged the rights of Indians in South Africa.
• Legacy of Nonviolent Resistance: Gandhi’s efforts established a foundation for future reforms and set a precedent for nonviolent resistance in the fight against oppression.

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