100 Years Since Gandhi’s Footsteps Graced Vaikom

It has been a century since Mahatma Gandhi arrived in Vaikom to bless the historic Vaikom Satyagraha, a movement that guided Malayalis toward enlightenment. Gandhi reached Vaikom on March 9, 1925. His visit to Kerala lasted from March 8 to March 17. A significant historical event during this time was his meeting with Sri Narayana Guru on March 12.

Gandhi’s Arrival in Vaikom – A Historic Moment

On March 9, 1925, Mahatma Gandhi reached Vaikom via Thrissur and Ernakulam. From Kochi, he traveled to Vaikom by boat, where he was welcomed at Arukutti by T.K. Madhavan, the chief organizer of the Satyagraha. Decorated boats lined both sides as part of the grand reception.

Gandhiji was deeply moved by the beauty of the surroundings and reportedly remarked, “I have seen such a beautiful landscape only on the banks of the Brahmaputra.” This was recorded by a Mathrubhumi journalist who witnessed the event.

After the reception, Gandhi travelled by car to the Satyagraha Ashram in Vaikom. On the morning of March 10, he sat on a grass mat and listened to the devotional songs sung by the volunteers. K. Kelappan was also present with him. Gandhi urged the satyagrahis not to end the movement until victory was achieved.

That day, at 2 PM, Mahatma Gandhi held discussions with Indanthuruthy Devan Neelakandan Nambyathiri, the temple administrator, at Indanthuruthy Mana. Since Gandhi was an outsider to the caste community, he was not allowed inside the mana (traditional Namboothiri residence). Instead, a special platform was arranged for him in the courtyard.

Gandhiji’s Proposals for Opening the Roads Around Vaikom Temple Were Rejected by the Nambyathiri

Mahatma Gandhi’s suggestions for allowing access to the roads around the Vaikom temple were outright rejected by the temple authorities, led by the Namboothiri. During a public gathering, he openly shared the details of the discussions with the people.

“The right of untouchables to access public roads is the most justifiable demand. As a Sanatana Hindu, I know that scriptures do not approve of untouchability or discrimination. However, my views were not accepted by them. The only way to bring change in others’ beliefs and achieve the intended goal is through Satyagraha. Compulsion and force have no place in it,” said Gandhi.

His meeting with Sree Narayana Guru is historic

From Vaikom, Gandhi proceeded to Alappuzha and then to Sivagiri. His meeting with Sree Narayana Guru was seen as the convergence of two great luminaries. Gandhiji asked Guru, “Are you aware of any Hindu scriptures that enforce untouchability?” Guru’s reply was simple and firm: “No.”

On March 15, Gandhi visited the residence of his disciple, Barrister George Joseph’s parents, in Chengannur.

Read the brief in Malayalam here.