Remembering a legacy of peace: The enduring influence of Badshah Khan

By Bharat Dogra*

In a world increasingly fraught with conflict and the looming threat of war, those who champion the cause of peace find themselves in challenging times. Yet, amidst this turmoil, it becomes vital to reflect on the individuals whose unwavering commitment to peace with justice serves as a beacon of hope. One such luminary is Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, affectionately known as Badshah Khan or "King of the People."

While his title implies authority, his reign was one of love and compassion rather than dominance. He is remembered for his profound impact on non-violent resistance and his relentless pursuit of justice and peace. Born among the Pathans and Pakhtoons near the border of Pakistan and Afghanistan, Badshah Khan dedicated himself to uplift these communities, often labeled as violent and revengeful.

Through tireless efforts, he advocated love and peace, cultivating a cadre of peaceful resisters who bravely opposed British colonial rule without resorting to violence. Their moral fortitude was so formidable that soldiers often hesitated to fire upon these unarmed freedom fighters.

Mahatma Gandhi, deeply moved by this aspect of the freedom struggle, regarded visiting Badshah Khan’s followers as a spiritual journey. Though Badshah Khan looked up to Gandhi as a mentor, Gandhi also found inspiration in his dedication to peace.

The legacy of the Indian freedom movement transcends national borders, carrying significant implications for all of South Asia. Among its many triumphs was the consensus reached by powerful leaders, representing diverse faiths, on the essential nature of inter-faith harmony. Figures such as Gandhi, Badshah Khan, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Maulana Azad were instrumental in promoting this vital cause, creating a much-needed foundation for stability and prosperity in the region.

While some leaders maintained a secular position and distanced themselves from religion, Gandhi recognized the importance of spirituality in fostering social objectives. He emphasized Hindu-Muslim unity as crucial for national progress, with Badshah Khan standing as a key ally in this endeavor. Together, they established the Congress party as an inclusive political entity, fortifying connections between religious communities.

Badshah Khan, known as the Frontier Gandhi, led the Khudai Khidmatgars (Servants of God), composed predominantly of Pashtuns. Despite societal perceptions of violence, these volunteers epitomized the essence of non-violent resistance, illustrating extraordinary courage in their fight against colonial injustices. Their commitment to safeguard minorities, such as Hindus and Sikhs, was emblematic of their harmonious principles.

Throughout the freedom struggle, instances of inter-faith cooperation flourished, with leaders like Maulana Azad articulating Islamic interpretations that echoed the values of peace and unity.

However, colonial powers perceived this solidarity as a threat and sought to promote sectarian leaders, exacerbating religious divisions that ultimately led to the tragic partition of India.

Despite his heartbreak over the ensuing violence, Gandhi relentlessly pursued peace, navigating conflict zones and advocating for harmony until his assassination in 1948. His commitment to inter-faith understanding, cultivated through dialogues on spirituality and mutual respect, remained influential. Although Gandhi's vision suffered disruption due to external forces, it did not diminish the impact of his lifelong dedication to promoting peace. He urged individuals to view religion as a path to understanding rather than a source of division.

Badshah Khan embodied Gandhi's teachings long after the Mahatma's death, continuing to inspire millions with his messages of peace and social justice, even under challenging conditions in Pakistan. The invitation from Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to address Parliament in his later years reflected the nation's enduring appreciation for his contributions. His speeches upheld the principles of inter-faith harmony alongside social justice, prioritizing kindness over bitterness, even after years of imprisonment.

The legacy of such visionary leaders calls upon the current generation to diligently work toward a South Asia founded on the ideals of inter-faith harmony and socio-economic justice.

---

*Honorary convener of the Campaign to Save Earth Now. Books: 'Planet in Peril', 'Protecting Earth for Children', and 'When the Two Streams Met' which discusses the freedom movement

Comments

Loktantra Bachao Abhiyan raises concerns over Jharkhand Adivasis' plight in Assam, BJP policies

By Our Representative The Loktantra Bachao Abhiyan (Save Democracy Campaign) has issued a pressing call to protect Adivasi rights in Jharkhand, highlighting serious concerns over the treatment of Jharkhandi Adivasis in Assam. During a press conference in Ranchi on November 9, representatives from Assam, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh criticized the current approach of BJP-led governments in these states, arguing it has exacerbated Adivasi struggles for rights, land, and cultural preservation.

Promoting love or instilling hate and fear: Why is RSS seeking a meeting with Rahul Gandhi?

By Ram Puniyani* India's anti-colonial struggle was marked by a diverse range of social movements, one of the most significant being Hindu-Muslim unity and the emergence of a unified Indian identity among people of all religions. The nationalist, anti-colonial movement championed this unity, best embodied by Mahatma Gandhi, who ultimately gave his life for this cause. Gandhi once wrote, “The union that we want is not a patched-up thing but a union of hearts... Swaraj (self-rule) for India must be an impossible dream without an indissoluble union between the Hindus and Muslims of India. It must not be a mere truce... It must be a partnership between equals, each respecting the religion of the other.”

Right-arm fast bowler who helped West Indies shape arguably greatest Test team in cricket history

By Harsh Thakor* Malcolm Marshall redefined what it meant to be a right-arm fast bowler, challenging the traditional laws of biomechanics with his unique skill. As we remember his 25th death anniversary on November 4th, we reflect on the legacy he left behind after his untimely death from colon cancer. For a significant part of his career, Marshall was considered one of the fastest and most formidable bowlers in the world, helping to shape the West Indies into arguably the greatest Test team in cricket history.

Swami Vivekananda's views on caste and sexuality were 'painfully' regressive

By Bhaskar Sur* Swami Vivekananda now belongs more to the modern Hindu mythology than reality. It makes a daunting job to discover the real human being who knew unemployment, humiliation of losing a teaching job for 'incompetence', longed in vain for the bliss of a happy conjugal life only to suffer the consequent frustration.

A Hindu alternative to Valentine's Day? 'Shiv-Parvati was first love marriage in Universe'

By Rajiv Shah The other day, I was searching on Google a quote on Maha Shivratri which I wanted to send to someone, a confirmed Shiv Bhakt, quite close to me -- with an underlying message to act positively instead of being negative. On top of the search, I chanced upon an article in, imagine!, a Nashik Corporation site which offered me something very unusual.

Andhra team joins Gandhians to protest against 'bulldozer action' in Varanasi

By Rosamma Thomas* November 1 marked the 52nd day of the 100-day relay fast at the satyagraha site of Rajghat in Varanasi, seeking the restoration of the 12 acres of land to the Sarva Seva Sangh, the Gandhian organization that was evicted from the banks of the river. Twelve buildings were demolished as the site was abruptly taken over by the government after “bulldozer” action in August 2023, even as the matter was pending in court.

Will Bangladesh go Egypt way, where military ruler is in power for a decade?

By Vijay Prashad* The day after former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina left Dhaka, I was on the phone with a friend who had spent some time on the streets that day. He told me about the atmosphere in Dhaka, how people with little previous political experience had joined in the large protests alongside the students—who seemed to be leading the agitation. I asked him about the political infrastructure of the students and about their political orientation. He said that the protests seemed well-organized and that the students had escalated their demands from an end to certain quotas for government jobs to an end to the government of Sheikh Hasina. Even hours before she left the country, it did not seem that this would be the outcome.

Will Left victory in Sri Lanka deliver economic sovereignty plan, go beyond 'tired' IMF agenda?

By Atul Chandra, Vijay Prashad* On September 22, 2024, the Sri Lankan election authority announced that Anura Kumara Dissanayake of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP)-led National People’s Power (NPP) alliance won the presidential election. Dissanayake, who has been the leader of the left-wing JVP since 2014, defeated 37 other candidates, including the incumbent president Ranil Wickremesinghe of the United National Party (UNP) and his closest challenger Sajith Premadasa of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya.

Green Revolution’s reliance on chemical fertilizers, pesticides contributing to Punjab's health crisis

By Bharat Dogra, Jagmohan Singh* Punjab was once synonymous with robust health, particularly in its rural areas, where farmers were known for their strength and vitality. However, in recent years, reports from these villages tell a different story, with rising cases of serious health issues, including cancer. What led to this decline? The answer lies largely in the erosion of good nutrition, once a hallmark of Punjabi village life. The health of a population is closely tied to its nutrition, and Punjab's reputation as a provider of high-quality nutrition has suffered greatly. The loss of biodiversity in agriculture has led to a decrease in the variety and quality of crops, resulting in poorer nutrition. Pulses, a key source of protein, have seen a steep decline in cultivation due to the disruption of traditional farming practices by the Green Revolution. This has had a detrimental effect on both soil and human health. Although pulses are still available in the market, they are exp

Tributes paid to pioneer of Naxalism in Punjab, who 'dodged' police for 60 yrs

By Harsh Thakor* Jagjit Singh Sohal, known as Comrade Sharma, a pioneer of Naxalism in Punjab, passed away on October 20 at the age of 96. Committed to the Naxalite cause and a prominent Maoist leader, Sohal, who succeeded Charu Majumdar, played hide and seek with the police for almost six decades. He was cremated in Patiala.

Search This Blog