Seventy-seven years ago, in a pre-Independence and pre-Partition India, Mahatma Gandhi embarked on a remarkable journey that would later be etched in history as his Noakhali mission. In October 1946, Gandhi learned about the violent unrest in Noakhali, a region that is not too far from Manipur. Back then, Noakhali was part of the undivided Indian province of Bengal, under the governance of the Muslim League led by S. Suhrawardy.Upon hearing about the unrest, Gandhi made a profound decision. He chose to confront the issue head-on. Ignoring the concerns of those who feared for his safety due to his advanced age, Gandhi responded, "I do not know what I shall be able to do there. All I know is that I won't be at peace with myself unless I go there." His mission was clear: to "wipe the tears" of Bengal's women and "put heart into them if he could."
However, Gandhi's objectives in Noakhali went beyond just bringing security to the Hindu minority. He sought to avert the impending partition of India. His strategy was multi-faceted. Firstly, he aimed to engage with everyone—Hindus, Muslims, government officials, and influential citizens. Secondly, he adopted a frank and open approach, speaking candidly to all parties involved. Thirdly, he strived to instill courage in the victims and contrition in the attackers. Fourthly, he reminded Noakhali's Muslim majority that Islam did not condone violence against the defenseless. Lastly, he worked to gain the people's trust by living amongst them and providing assistance, including medical care.
One of the significant aspects of Gandhi's mission was his emphasis on the collective responsibility of the majority community. When Muslims claimed that only a minority had participated in the violence, Gandhi argued that a fence-sitting majority was equally guilty as the perpetrators. Even a single act of abduction, forced conversion, or forced marriage was unacceptable in his eyes.
On January 2, Gandhi embarked on foot, armed with a long bamboo staff and accompanied by a small group of followers, to visit "a village a day." Over two months, they halted overnight in 47 different villages, often in the homes of humble hosts, including dhobis, fishermen, cobblers, and weavers. Much of his time was dedicated to comforting Hindu women who lived in fear.
Gandhi's mission extended beyond Noakhali. In Bihar, where Hindu-Muslim violence was more extensive, he continued his efforts to promote peace. However, he was disheartened to learn that the Congress leadership had accepted Partition.
In Noakhali's Bhatialpur village, Muslims pledged to protect Hindus and restore looted properties and abducted women. An idol was reinstated in a temple, symbolizing a healing and reconciliatory process. Many Muslims assured Gandhi that they would stand as guarantors against future attacks on Hindus.
While Gandhi's four-month stay in Noakhali did not prevent the partition of India or Bengal, it did lead to a growing sense of remorse among the community. Muslim elders began to punish those involved in harassing or looting Hindus, and many who had fled the region returned home. Even decades later, residents of Noakhali remembered Gandhi's presence with deep respect and often spontaneously sang "Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram, Ishwar Allah Tere Naam."
Gandhi may not have achieved all his desired results in Noakhali, but his mission was an embodiment of his unwavering commitment to confronting societal problems with love, truth, and nonviolence. His legacy continues to inspire and remind us of the power of unity, forgiveness, and compassion, even in the face of adversity.
