Marking the death anniversary of the legendary Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge paid rich tributes, calling him a cornerstone of India’s freedom movement. Known worldwide as Frontier Gandhi, Khan’s unyielding principles led to numerous imprisonments, yet he never compromised on non-violence.
In his X post, Kharge invoked Bacha Khan’s Bharat Ratna status and his profound impact. ‘He contributed immensely to our independence, serving in key Congress roles and the Constituent Assembly,’ he noted, stressing the enduring appeal of Khan’s commitment to peace and human dignity.
These values, Kharge said, bridge communities in India and beyond, fostering harmony in South Asia.
Khan’s journey began in 1890 Utmanzai, where he promoted education zealously, opening his first school at 20. The Rowlatt Act protests drew him into the national struggle, culminating in his alliance with Gandhi.
Leading Pashtuns, he headed a Khilafat committee in 1921 and launched the iconic Red Shirts movement in 1929—a non-violent force allied with Congress through partition. From 1920-1947, British repression tested his mettle repeatedly.
In a historic first, he received Bharat Ratna in 1987. Passing on January 20, 1988, in Peshawar, he found eternal rest in Jalalabad. Today, his story inspires unity and resilience.