Which magazine was published by Mahatma Gandhi during his stay in South Africa?

Correct option is B

​Correct Answer:(b) Indian Opinion​

The Indian Opinion, established by Mahatma Gandhi in 1903, played a pivotal role in advocating for civil rights and exposing racial discrimination against the Indian and African communities in South Africa. Its legacy remains significant in understanding Gandhi's early experiments with truth, nonviolence, and resistance against oppression.

Historical Overview

1. Establishment:
• Founded on June 4, 1903, with the first issue hitting the streets two days later.
• Published in Gujarati, Hindi, Tamil, and English, reflecting the diversity of the Indian diaspora.
2. Purpose and Objectives:
• Aimed to educate European communities about the plight of Indians in South Africa.
• Became a platform to address civil rights violations, including laws requiring Indians to carry identification cards.
3. Phoenix Settlement:
• In 1904, Gandhi relocated the press to Phoenix Settlement near Durban.
• Introduced a cooperative work ethic where workers shared land and profits, emphasizing self-reliance.
4. Editors and Leadership:
• Notable editors included Manilal Gandhi (longest-serving editor), Sushila Gandhi, and others.
• Many editors faced imprisonment for their work, underlining the paper's commitment to social justice.
5. Reports and Campaigns:
• Highlighted the poor conditions of indentured laborers, high suicide rates, and systemic discrimination.
• Supported African struggles, including critiques of the Natives Land Act and women’s movements in the Orange Free State.
• Promoted satyagraha, advocating defiance against unjust laws.

Significance and Legacy

• Civil Rights and Advocacy:
• Played a critical role in defeating discriminatory registration laws and mobilizing support for equal rights.
• Gandhi’s Political Philosophy:
• Gandhi credited the newspaper as essential to the development of satyagraha, the foundation of his later work in India.
• Historical Documentation:
• Preserved the struggles and resilience of the Indian community, serving as a valuable resource for historians.
• Global Influence:
• Its success inspired Gandhi’s later publications in India, including Young India, Harijan, and Navjivan.

Information Booster

● Phoenix Settlement, the home of Indian Opinion, was declared a National Heritage Site in South Africa in 2020.
● The paper addressed both Indian and African issues, fostering cross-community solidarity against colonial injustices.
● Gandhi described Indian Opinion as "the voice of truth and justice," emphasizing its ethical approach to journalism.
● The publication remained active until 1961, making it a crucial record of resistance during apartheid’s early phases.
● It also supported the larger civil rights struggle in South Africa, influencing leaders like John Langalibalele Dube.

The Indian Opinion not only chronicled the challenges of its time but also laid the groundwork for transformative resistance movements globally.