At which university did Mahatma Gandhi make his first public appearance in 1916 after returning from South Africa to India?

Correct option is A

Ans. (a) Banaras Hindu University

Sol.Mahatma Gandhi made his first public appearance in India in 1916 at the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) during the BHU Foundation Ceremony. The event was attended by prominent leaders, including Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, Annie Besant, and British officials. In his speech, Gandhi criticized British rule and the lavish lifestyle of Indian elites, emphasizing the need for self-rule (Swaraj), indigenous industries, and unity among Indians. His speech at BHU is considered a key moment in his transition to national leadership in India.

Information Booster:

• The BHU event took place in February 1916 in Varanasi.
• Gandhi's speech marked the beginning of his active involvement in India's independence movement.
• He urged Indians to adopt Swadeshi (self-reliance) and reject British dominance.
• The speech created awareness about the exploitation under colonial rule.
• This appearance was before his major movements like Champaran Satyagraha (1917) and Non-Cooperation Movement (1920).
• BHU was founded by Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya in 1916 to promote higher education in India.
• Gandhi’s ideas at BHU later shaped his approach to mass movements and peaceful resistance.

Additional Information:

• (b) Aligarh Muslim University – Founded in 1875 as Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College (MAO), later became AMU in 1920; known for contributions to education and national movements.
• (c) Allahabad University – One of India’s oldest universities, established in 1887; played a role in India's freedom movement with leaders like Motilal Nehru and Purushottam Das Tandon.
• (d) University of Mumbai – Established in 1857; a major center for education, producing scholars, activists, and leaders in India's independence struggle.