New Delhi, March 23: External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar on Sunday received a significant collection of artefacts and documents related to Mahatma Gandhi from the Phoenix Settlement Trust-Gandhi Development Trust (PST-GDT) in South Africa. These artefacts and documents hold deep historical value, particularly in understanding Gandhi’s formative years in South Africa, which played a crucial role in shaping his political and philosophical ideas.
Mahatma Gandhi established the Phoenix Settlement in 1904 in Inanda, near Durban, South Africa. This settlement served as his first ashram-like community, where he began to formulate his ideas on non-violent resistance and social equality. Gandhi’s time in South Africa, particularly from 1893 to 1914, was foundational in the development of his philosophy of Satyagraha, a method of non-violent protest that he later used in India to lead the fight for independence from British rule.
In a post on social media platform X, Jaishankar expressed his gratitude for the handover of these invaluable pieces of history to the National Gandhi Museum in New Delhi, stating, “Privileged to witness the handing over of artefacts and documents related to Mahatma Gandhi by @PST_GDT (Phoenix Settlement Trust-Gandhi Development Trust), South Africa to National Gandhi Museum, New Delhi.”
The artefacts and documents are significant not only because they chronicle Gandhi’s early life and work in South Africa but also because they provide deeper insights into his struggles against racial discrimination and his commitment to non-violent methods as tools for challenging oppression.
Jaishankar’s post continued, emphasizing the enduring influence of Mahatma Gandhi: “Bapu’s life and message continue to inspire generations to come.”
Mahatma Gandhi, born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, India, was a key figure in the Indian independence movement, advocating for non-violent civil disobedience and leading several major movements against British rule, including the Salt March and the Quit India Movement. His philosophy of peaceful resistance resonated not only in India but also around the world, influencing various global movements for justice and freedom.
Tragically, Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated on January 30, 1948, by Nathuram Godse, a loss that shook both India and the world. However, his legacy of peace, justice, and non-violence lives on, and India continues to honor his contributions every year on January 30, which is observed as Martyrs’ Day to commemorate his sacrifice for the nation’s freedom.