Who was the founder of Harijan Sevak Sangh founded in 1932?
Mahatma Gandhi
Understanding the Harijan Sevak Sangh
The question asks about the founder of the Harijan Sevak Sangh, an important organization established in 1932. Let's delve into the history and purpose of this organization to identify its founder.
What is the Harijan Sevak Sangh?
The Harijan Sevak Sangh, initially known as the All India Anti-Untouchability League, was founded with the primary objective of eradicating untouchability in India and working for the welfare of the oppressed classes, whom Mahatma Gandhi referred to as 'Harijans' (meaning 'Children of God').
Founder of Harijan Sevak Sangh 1932
The Harijan Sevak Sangh was founded in September 1932. This happened after the Poona Pact, an agreement between Mahatma Gandhi and B.R. Ambedkar, which addressed the issue of separate electorates for depressed classes. Mahatma Gandhi was deeply committed to the cause of abolishing untouchability and dedicated a significant part of his life and work to this social reform.
Mahatma Gandhi himself founded the Harijan Sevak Sangh to continue the fight against untouchability and work towards the social and economic upliftment of the scheduled castes.
Analysing the Options
Let's look at the provided options and their relevance:
- Jawaharlal Nehru: A prominent leader in the Indian independence movement and the first Prime Minister of India. While he supported social reforms, he was not the founder of the Harijan Sevak Sangh.
- Mahatma Gandhi: The leader of India's independence movement and a key figure in social reform. He championed the cause against untouchability and founded the Harijan Sevak Sangh.
- Jyotiba Phule: A 19th-century social reformer who worked against caste discrimination and untouchability. While his work was foundational, he was not alive in 1932 when the Harijan Sevak Sangh was founded.
- BR Ambedkar: A key leader of the depressed classes and the architect of the Indian Constitution. He fought fiercely against untouchability and caste discrimination and was involved in the Poona Pact with Gandhi, but he did not found the Harijan Sevak Sangh; he led his own organizations focused on the rights of the depressed classes.
Based on historical facts, the founder of the Harijan Sevak Sangh in 1932 was Mahatma Gandhi.
| Organization | Year Founded | Founder | Primary Goal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harijan Sevak Sangh (All India Anti-Untouchability League) | 1932 | Mahatma Gandhi | Eradication of untouchability and upliftment of oppressed classes |
Conclusion
The Harijan Sevak Sangh was established by Mahatma Gandhi in 1932 as a part of his broader efforts to reform Indian society and eliminate the practice of untouchability.
Harijan Sevak Sangh Revision Table
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Harijan Sevak Sangh (formerly All India Anti-Untouchability League) |
| Year of Foundation | 1932 |
| Founder | Mahatma Gandhi |
| Context of Foundation | After the Poona Pact, as a move to address untouchability |
| Key Objective | Work against untouchability, uplift Harijans (depressed classes) |
Additional Information on Harijan Sevak Sangh and Social Reform
The founding of the Harijan Sevak Sangh was a significant event in the history of social reform in India. Mahatma Gandhi's decision to undertake a fast unto death against the Communal Award's provision for separate electorates for depressed classes led to the Poona Pact. Following this, he shifted his focus significantly to the cause of removing untouchability, which he considered a major blot on Hindu society.
He coined the term 'Harijan' for the depressed classes, although this term later became controversial, with leaders like B.R. Ambedkar preferring terms like 'Dalit' or 'Scheduled Castes'. Gandhi's campaign included:
- Opening temples, wells, and other public places to Harijans.
- Promoting inter-dining and inter-caste marriage.
- Working for their education and economic welfare.
- Undertaking tours across the country to raise awareness against untouchability.
The Harijan Sevak Sangh continues its work even today, focusing on education, health, and economic development of Scheduled Castes.
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