The Historic Lucknow Meeting That Forged a Non-Violent Alliance
In the summer of 1929, during the All India Congress Committee meeting in Lucknow, a pivotal encounter occurred that would significantly influence India's freedom movement. Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, later revered as Frontier Gandhi, met his political idol Mahatma Gandhi for the first time. This meeting marked the beginning of a profound partnership that championed non-violence as a powerful tool against colonial rule.
Badshah Khan: The Non-Violent Voice from the Frontier
Born on February 6, 1890, in Utmanzai in present-day Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan emerged as a rare figure who challenged both British colonial authority and the entrenched stereotype that Pashtun identity was inherently violent. His life's work redefined resistance in one of the most militarized regions under colonial rule and beyond. In recognition of his immense contributions, he was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1987, becoming one of only two non-Indians to receive India's highest civilian honor.
Formation of Khudai Khidmatgar: The Servants of God
Inspired by his meeting with Mahatma Gandhi, Khan founded the Khudai Khidmatgar, or Servants of God, in September 1929. This volunteer organization was dedicated to non-violent resistance and social upliftment. Members, identifiable by their red uniforms, were also known as 'Laal Kurti Wale'. They built a disciplined mass movement focused on education, health, public service, and communal harmony.
Their commitment to non-violence was severely tested during the 1930 Qissa Khwani Bazaar massacre in Peshawar, where British troops opened fire on unarmed protesters. Despite many casualties, the volunteers steadfastly refused to retaliate, embodying their principles.
Ramesh Dixit, former professor at Lucknow University, emphasized, "Beyond facing repression peacefully, the Khudai Khidmatgars worked tirelessly for social unity, education, and community welfare, treating service as the highest form of patriotism."
Embracing Non-Violence in a Volatile Region
At a time when resistance in the frontier region was predominantly associated with armed struggle, Khan embraced non-violence as both a political strategy and a moral imperative. This approach earned him the title 'Sarhadi Gandhi' or Frontier Gandhi among his followers. He worked closely with Mahatma Gandhi, advocating for Hindu-Muslim unity, democratic rights, and federal cooperation, even after Partition. His unwavering political stance led to repeated arrests under British rule and later under the Pakistani government, resulting in nearly 32 years spent in prison. He passed away at the age of 97.
A Staunch Opponent of Partition
Khan was the only prominent leader who did not accept the partition of India. He believed that dividing the country would irreparably fracture communities that had coexisted for centuries. Historian Hafeez Kidwai notes that in his autobiography, Khan expressed his sense of betrayal, telling Congress leaders, "You have thrown us to the wolves," when partition became inevitable. Thereafter, he avoided visiting India, only returning when Prime Minister Indira Gandhi invited him for Mahatma Gandhi's centenary birth anniversary.
Badshah Khan's Enduring Connection with Lucknow
Khan's bond with Lucknow was particularly significant. In his autobiography, he highlighted that his first meeting with Mahatma Gandhi took place in Lucknow, an event that profoundly shaped his political direction and reinforced his commitment to non-violence.
Historian Hafeez Kidwai, associated with Khudai Khidmatgar initiatives in Lucknow, emphasized that the city was more than a mere transit point for Khan. According to Kidwai, Lucknow represented a unique confluence where Gandhian thought, socialist politics, and questions of national unity intersected.
During his 1967 visit to India, Lucknow was a key stop on his itinerary. He was hosted by Begum Hamida Habibullah, and the visit attracted significant public attention. Several prominent personalities, including actor Dilip Kumar, who was in the city at the time, came to meet him.
Engaging with Lucknow's Political and Academic Circles
Khan shared a close rapport with socialist leaders Ram Manohar Lohia and Raj Narain. Public meetings were a crucial aspect of his Lucknow visits. He addressed large gatherings at Jhandewala Park in Aminabad and delivered lectures at Lucknow University. His speeches consistently focused on democracy, non-violence, social justice, communal harmony, and the responsibilities of citizens in a newly independent nation.
Professor Aroop Chakravarti of the Department of Modern History at Lucknow University noted that Khan's visits in the late 1920s and 1930s coincided with Lucknow's emergence as a vibrant political arena. Chakravarti observed that Khan engaged deeply with students, emphasizing discipline, public service, and ethical politics. He actively encouraged youth participation in democratic processes and social reform movements.
Public Adulation and Lasting Memories
Senior journalist Pradeep Kapoor recalled witnessing Khan's visit to Lucknow during the Gandhi Centenary programs. He remembered the overwhelming public response across the city. A widely circulated photograph showing Indira Gandhi receiving Khan as he arrived carrying a small bag generated considerable interest at the time.
Kapoor, then a school student, recounted standing in Hazratganj as Khan's car passed through, with crowds lining the route to catch a glimpse of the revered leader. He also mentioned a public function organized in Khan's honor at Ravindralaya.
A Final Farewell Attended by Thousands
Senior Congress leader Mohsina Kidwai of Barabanki was among the leaders from the region who attended Khan's funeral in Jalalabad, Afghanistan, on January 20, 1988. She traveled with then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.
Speaking about the experience, Mohsina Kidwai recalled, "I was fortunate to attend the funeral of Khan Sahab. At the time, I was a cabinet minister in the Union government and had gone to see off Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi at the airport. The aircraft door was about to close when he saw me. The plane was halted, the door reopened, and Rajiv ji called me to board. I was the only person in the delegation at the airport familiar with Muslim funeral rituals, so I accompanied him without any prior preparation. It was the first time I witnessed such an enormous gathering. Lakhs of people and dignitaries had assembled to bid Khan Sahab a final farewell. Remarkably, the Soviet–Afghan government coalition and the Afghan mujahideen, engaged in a civil war, declared an immediate ceasefire to allow Khan's burial."
Photo credit: The Frontier Gandhi: My Life and Struggle, Autobiography of Abdul Ghaffar Khan
