The emergence of Mahatma Gandhi as a prominent leader in the Indian National

Movement was influenced by several incidents that shaped his beliefs, ideologies,
and methods of protest. While numerous events contributed to his rise, three
significant incidents are often highlighted as crucial milestones in his journey.
These incidents are the Champaran Satyagraha, the Kheda Satyagraha, and the
Ahmedabad Mill Workers' Strike. Let's examine each of these incidents:

1. Champaran Satyagraha (1917):

The Champaran Satyagraha was a pivotal event in Gandhi's emergence as a national
leader. In 1917, Gandhi visited Champaran, a district in Bihar, where indigo
farmers were suffering from exploitative practices imposed by British indigo
planters. The farmers were forced to cultivate indigo and faced harsh treatment,
including the unjust levying of taxes and unfair land tenure systems.

Gandhi organized a Satyagraha, a nonviolent resistance movement, to support the

farmers and address their grievances. He mobilized the local populace, educated
them about their rights, and encouraged them to peacefully protest against the
oppressive indigo planters. The success of the Champaran Satyagraha not only
brought relief to the farmers but also showcased Gandhi's leadership skills and his
commitment to nonviolent protest as a means of achieving social justice.

2. Kheda Satyagraha (1918):

The Kheda Satyagraha, which took place in Kheda district of Gujarat, further
cemented Gandhi's position as a national leader. In 1918, the farmers of Kheda
faced a severe drought and were unable to pay the land revenue taxes levied by the
British administration. Despite their dire circumstances, the British authorities
remained unsympathetic and insisted on full tax collection.

Gandhi launched the Kheda Satyagraha to support the farmers' cause. He advocated
for nonviolent civil disobedience and urged the farmers to withhold payment of
taxes until their demands were met. The movement gained widespread support, and the
British government eventually gave in to their demands, granting relief to the
farmers.

The Kheda Satyagraha highlighted Gandhi's ability to galvanize people through

nonviolent means and demonstrated the effectiveness of civil disobedience as a tool
for achieving socio-political change. This incident played a crucial role in
shaping Gandhi's philosophy of Satyagraha, or truth-force, which became a
cornerstone of his approach to nonviolent resistance.

3. Ahmedabad Mill Workers' Strike (1918):

The Ahmedabad Mill Workers' Strike, also known as the Ahmedabad Textile Strike, was
a significant labor movement that Gandhi actively supported. In 1918, textile mill
workers in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, went on strike to protest against harsh working
conditions, low wages, and the denial of their right to form labor unions.

Gandhi recognized the plight of the workers and played a crucial role in organizing
the strike. He advocated for nonviolent methods of protest and worked towards
creating a sense of solidarity among the workers. The strike lasted for several
months and resulted in improved working conditions, increased wages, and the
recognition of the workers' right to form unions.

Gandhi's involvement in the Ahmedabad Mill Workers' Strike marked his deep concern
for social justice and his commitment to empowering marginalized sections of
society. The success of this strike further bolstered Gandhi's reputation as a
leader who could effectively mobilize and fight for the rights of the oppressed.

These three incidents—the Champaran Satyagraha, the Kheda Satyagraha, and the
Ahmedabad Mill Workers' Strike—played a crucial role in shaping Gandhi's emergence
as a prominent leader in the Indian National Movement. They not only showcased his
principles of nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience but also demonstrated
his