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Gandhiji's 357-day nationwide yatra changed Indian politics forever

The 'parikrama', as Kadri prefers to call it, also resulted in Gandhiji trying to learn languages like Marathi, Urdu, Tamil to better connect to the masses.

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The yatra Gandhiji conducted upon his arrival to India changed the nature of Indian politics forever, said city-based historian Rizwan Kadri, in his book 'Mahatmani Parikrama' – based on Gandhiji's personal diary, which gives interesting insights of the 357-day journey covering 34,681 km kris-crossing the country. The 'parikrama', as Kadri prefers to call it, also resulted in Gandhiji trying to learn languages like Marathi, Urdu, Tamil to better connect to the masses.

"Before Gandhiji's entry in Congress, its annual convention (adhiveshan) used to be a ceremonial affair. It was organized during the Christmas holidays. It was limited to proposing, supporting and amending resolutions, without having much impact on the society. Gandhiji's yatra took Congress to people. Masses flocked to greet him and present their problems. Congress then become a political party of the masses," said Kadri. The book was released on Tuesday at 'Gujarat Club' where Gandhiji had met Vallabhbhai Patel (who was not referred to as 'Sardar' then).

Kadri said that three thoughts occupied Gandhiji's mind at this stage. First was to bring social revolution through satyagrah, second, he was clear that the goal of social, political and economic transformation would not be realised without unity between Hindus and Muslims and third transforming Congress into a movement for services of the masses.

"The satyagraha in South Africa had made one thing very clear in the mind of Gandhiji. That any transformation in India is not possible without unity between Hindus and Muslims. Gandhiji shed his western attire and adapted clothes of masses, which attracted masses to him," he said.

In fact, the movements in South Africa had made Gandhiji very popular in India, and funds were raised in Gujarat and other states for Gandhiji's activities in South Africa. So when Gandhiji returned to India on January 9, 1915, he was not an alien figure. However, when he traveled in various states, the language was a bottleneck, which made Gandhiji try to learn other Indian languages.

"During his visit to Kerala, the fisher-folk had gathered in the night with 'mashals'. They tried to present their problems in Malayalam. Gandhiji could not understand the words but grasped the sentiments. At that time Gandhiji said that he would try to learn Malayalam," informed Kadri.

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