Mahatma Gandhi Era Diary
The Literal Concept of the “Gandhi Era” and the “Gandhi Era” Diary Akhilesh Jha In many parts of India, the New Year begins with Diwali. The month of Kartik is considered the most auspicious month, and the year begins with it—particularly in western India. In traditional business communities, old accounts were settled on Diwali, and new account books were opened. This practice continues even today in some households. What could be better than if a new era also begins with the new year! It had already been decided, with Gandhi ji’s consent, that the Congress would declare Poorna Swaraj (complete independence) at the Lahore Session in 1929. This decision was made around Diwali, though the formal announcement came in December. It was a momentous event—a declaration of a new era. But what would this new era be called? Perhaps most people never thought about it. Yet, some saw it as the beginning of the Gandhi Era. Literally. On Diwali of 1930—21st October—the first year of the Gandhi E...