Saturday, June 22, 2019
Biography of Bacha Khan:
Bacha Khan, also known as Abdul Ghaffar Khan (6 February 1890 – 20 January 1988), was a prominent Indian independence activist, a key leader in the Indian freedom movement, and a strong advocate for non-violence and social reforms.
Here's a brief biography of Bacha Khan:
Early Life:
Birth: Abdul Ghaffar Khan was born on 6 February 1890 in Utmankhel, a Pashtun family in the Peshawar region of British India (now in Pakistan).
Family Background: He belonged to a family of Pashtun leaders and warriors.
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| Biography of Bacha Khan |
Education and Early Activism:
Education: Bacha Khan received his early education in a local mosque and later attended an English medium school in Peshawar.
Social Work: Inspired by his father's commitment to social reform, Bacha Khan began his social and educational work early on, focusing on uplifting the status of the Pashtuns.
Bacha Khan in Non-Cooperation Movement:
Gandhi's Influence: Bacha Khan was deeply influenced by Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy of non-violence during their meeting in 1920.
Khilafat Movement: He actively participated in the Khilafat Movement and later joined the Non-Cooperation Movement initiated by Mahatma Gandhi.
Formation of Khilafat Committee:
Leadership Role: Bacha Khan played a leadership role in the Khilafat Committee and the Indian National Congress in the North-West Frontier Province (now Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan).
Non-Violent Resistance: He advocated non-violent resistance and civil disobedience against British rule.
Formation of the Khilafat National Guard:
Organizing Youth: Bacha Khan organized the Khilafat National Guard, a non-violent group of young volunteers dedicated to social reform and non-cooperation with the British.
Bacha Khan's Formation of the Red Shirts:
Political Activism: In 1930, he organized a group of supporters known as the "Red Shirts" to protest against the Simon Commission and advocate for Indian independence.
Arrest and Imprisonment: His activism led to his arrest, and he spent several years in British prisons.
Post-Independence Contributions:
Partition: After the partition of India in 1947, Bacha Khan chose to stay in Pakistan, but he continued to advocate for peace and communal harmony.
Advocacy for Pashtun Rights: He worked for the socio-economic development of the Pashtun community and advocated for their rights within the framework of Pakistan.
Legacy:
Nickname "Frontier Gandhi": Bacha Khan was often referred to as the "Frontier Gandhi" due to his commitment to non-violence.
Bacha Khan University: The Abdul Wali Khan University in Mardan, Pakistan, is named in honor of Bacha Khan.
Death of Bacha Khan:
Passing: Bacha Khan passed away on 20 January 1988 at the age of 97 in Peshawar, Pakistan.
Bacha Khan's legacy is remembered for his unwavering commitment to non-violence, social reform, and the struggle for Indian independence. His influence extended beyond his lifetime, and he remains a symbol of resilience, peace, and unity in the subcontinent.