Question

Why did Gandhiji chide the lawyer?

Hint:

True leadership is about inspiring others to place moral duty above personal fear and self-interest.

Answer 1

Step 1: Context of Champaran.
During the Champaran movement, Gandhiji came to fight for the peasants who were being exploited by the British planters. At that time, Gandhiji wanted the local lawyers to support the peasants in their struggle for justice.
Step 2: Role of the lawyer.
One of the lawyers initially hesitated to join Gandhiji. He feared that standing against the British authorities might lead to punishment, imprisonment, or loss of his career. He thought it would be safer not to support the peasants directly.
Step 3: Gandhiji’s reaction.
Gandhiji became disappointed and chided the lawyer. He reminded him that the real duty of a lawyer is not just to earn fees but to stand by the poor and oppressed in their time of need. Gandhiji told him that when the peasants were suffering, it was cowardly for educated men like lawyers to abandon them.
Step 4: Moral lesson given by Gandhiji.
Gandhiji emphasized that true service lies in courage, sacrifice, and moral responsibility. A lawyer’s profession becomes meaningful only when he stands for justice, even if it demands personal risk.
Conclusion:
Thus, Gandhiji chided the lawyer to awaken his sense of duty, inspiring him to join the Champaran struggle and support the poor peasants bravely.