Stories
Gandhi Jayanti: Remembering Imam Bawazir, Mahatma's "Sahodar" and Champion of Communal Harmony
- •Gandhi Jayanti marks the remembrance of Mahatma Gandhi's close bond with Abdul Kadir Bawazir, known as Imam Bawazir, whom Gandhi considered a "sahodar" (brother or sibling).
- •Bawazir met Gandhi in South Africa, leading prayers at a mosque, earning him the title "Imam," and later followed Gandhi to Ahmedabad, living at Sabarmati Ashram.
- •Imam Bawazir played a significant role in the freedom movement, leading the satyagraha at Dharasana during the 1930 Dandi March.
- •Gandhi demonstrated deep respect for Bawazir, even having wedding invitations for Bawazir's daughters, Fatima and Amina, issued in his own name, a gesture not extended to his own children.
- •Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel also shared a close bond with Bawazir, remembering him as "Gandhi's brother and companion" and organizing a condolence meeting after his death.
Key Questions Answered
Abdul Kadir Bawazir, known as Imam Bawazir, met Mahatma Gandhi during his movement in South Africa and the two developed a deep bond. Gandhi considered Bawazir to be his "sahodar," meaning brother or sibling born from the same mother, reflecting a strong spirit of communal harmony.
After Gandhi returned to India and moved to the Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad, Bawazir lived there as well. He worked closely with Gandhi and led the satyagraha at Dharasana when the Dandi March began in 1930.
Gandhi showed great respect for Bawazir by having wedding invitation cards for Bawazir's daughters, Fatima and Amina, issued in his own name. Notably, Gandhi's own children never had wedding invitations issued in his name, making this a unique distinction for Bawazir's family.
