Gandhi's Harijan Movement in Orissa: 1932-1947
By B. K. Sarma
Summary
Gandhi's Harijan movement in Orissa was a significant social reform effort aimed at eradicating untouchability. The movement unfolded in two phases: 1932-1934 and 1934-1947. Initially, groundwork was laid through anti-untouchability processions, committee formations, and educational initiatives. The Utkal Harijan Sevak Sangha established schools, hostels, and sanitation programs for Harijans, supported by local leaders and literary journals. By 1934, Gandhi's special mission intensified the movement, featuring a foot march (Padayatra) across Orissa to propagate temple entry and village upliftment. Gandhi emphasized religious and spiritual reform, advocating for Harijan access to temples and challenging caste-based discrimination. His efforts inspired Congress leaders to adopt Harijan welfare measures, including financial provisions for education and stipends. Post-independence, the Orissa Congress ministries enacted legislation like the Orissa Removal of Civil Disabilities Act (1946) to address systemic inequalities. The movement combined mass mobilization, education, and policy advocacy, leaving a lasting impact on social reform in Orissa.
AI-assisted summary, not yet checked. Consult the original PDF before citing.
Conclusion
The Harijan movement in Orissa, significantly influenced by Gandhi's mission, achieved substantial progress through educational initiatives, temple entry campaigns, and legislative reforms. The establishment of schools, scholarships, and sanitation efforts improved access to education and basic amenities for Harijans, while the involvement of local leaders and organizations amplified grassroots participation. Gandhi's 1934 padayatra and emphasis on temple entry for Harijans sparked widespread awareness and mobilized public support, leading to the opening of temples and the eventual enactment of the Orissa Removal of Civil Disabilities Act in 1946. These outcomes underscored the movement's success in advancing social justice and integrating Harijans into mainstream society, reflecting Gandhi's enduring impact on Orissa's social reform landscape.