New Delhi witnessed a poignant tribute on the death anniversary of Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, fondly remembered as Frontier Gandhi. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge took to social media platform X to pay homage to this iconic freedom fighter, emphasizing his invaluable contributions to India’s independence movement.
Kharge highlighted how Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, a recipient of India’s highest civilian honor Bharat Ratna, stood firm on his principles of non-violence and harmony. Despite enduring multiple imprisonments, he remained unwavering in his commitment. ‘Bacha Khan’s dedication inspired millions across India and South Asia,’ Kharge posted, recalling his service in the Congress Working Committee and as a member of the Constituent Assembly.
Born in 1890 in Utmanzai, now in Pakistan, Khan dedicated his life to education and social reform from a young age. At just 20, he established his first school to empower communities. His active participation began with protests against the Rowlatt Act, leading to a historic meeting with Mahatma Gandhi.
Khan’s leadership shone in the Khilafat Movement, where he became president of a district committee in the North-West Frontier Province. In 1929, he launched the non-violent Khudai Khidmatgar movement, known for its red shirts, which allied closely with the Congress until India’s partition in 1947. Between 1920 and 1947, he faced repeated arrests and brutal tortures for his activism.
In 1987, he became the first non-Indian to receive the Bharat Ratna. Khan passed away on January 20, 1988, in Peshawar and was buried in Jalalabad, Afghanistan. His legacy of peace, dignity, and unity continues to resonate, reminding us of the shared values that bind nations.