📘 Question (IAS Prelims 2025 | GS-I)

Subsequent to which one of the following events, Mahatma Gandhi, who consistently opposed untouchability and appealed for its eradication from all spheres, decided to include the upliftment of ‘Harijans’ in his political and social programme?

(a) The Poona Pact
(b) The Gandhi–Irwin Agreement (Delhi Pact)
(c) Arrest of Congress leadership during Quit India Movement
(d) Promulgation of the Government of India Act, 1935

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✅ Correct Answer

(a) The Poona Pact

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🎯 Theme of the Question

Modern India | National Movement | Social reform | Untouchability and political integration

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🧠 Classroom Explanation

The Poona Pact (September 1932) marked a decisive turning point in Gandhi’s approach to the problem of untouchability. After this event, Gandhi consciously transformed anti-untouchability from a moral concern into a central political and social programme within the national movement.

UPSC frames such questions to test whether aspirants can identify trigger events that convert ideas into organised action.

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⚖️ Background: Separate Electorates Controversy (1932)

The British Government’s Communal Award (1932) proposed:

• Separate electorates for the Depressed Classes

B. R. Ambedkar supported this as a political safeguard.
Gandhi opposed it strongly, arguing that:

• It would permanently divide Hindu society
• It would institutionalise untouchability, not abolish it

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⛓️ Yeravda Jail Fast (September 1932)

• Gandhi was imprisoned in Yeravda Jail, Pune
• He undertook a fast unto death against separate electorates for the Depressed Classes
• As his health deteriorated:
  • Massive public pressure mounted
  • Negotiations intensified between Gandhi and Ambedkar

This fast was not against Ambedkar, but against social fragmentation.

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🕊️ The Poona Pact: Key Provisions

The Poona Pact resulted in:

• Withdrawal of separate electorates
• Retention of joint electorate
• Increase in reserved seats for Depressed Classes in legislatures

This compromise sought to balance:

• Political representation
• Social integration

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🌸 Birth of the “Harijan” Programme

After the Poona Pact:

• Gandhi systematically integrated anti-untouchability work into:
  • The national movement
  • His broader social reform agenda

He began referring to untouchables as “Harijans” (Children of God).

Why the term “Harijan”?

• Less derogatory than “Untouchable”
• Less colonial than “Depressed Classes”
• Rooted in Indian cultural tradition

The term was inspired by:

• The medieval Bhakti saint Narsinh Mehta
• His hymn “Vaishnava Jana To”, a favourite of Gandhi

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📰 Institutional and Organisational Measures

1. Harijan Journal

• Gandhi renamed his weekly Young India to Harijan (1933)
• Signalled that social reform was as vital as political freedom

2. Harijan Sewak Sangh

• Initially founded as the Anti-Untouchability League
• Renamed after the Poona Pact

Key associates included:

• G. D. Birla
• A. V. Thakkar

Objectives:

• Temple entry
• Education
• Sanitation
• Social dignity for Harijans

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❌ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

• Gandhi–Irwin Pact (1931) → Related to Civil Disobedience, not social reform trigger
• Quit India arrests (1942) → Mass movement context, unrelated here
• Government of India Act, 1935 → Constitutional reform, not Gandhian initiative

👉 Only the Poona Pact directly led to the Harijan Programme becoming a core Gandhian mission.

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🧩 One-Line Ready Recall

Separate electorates → Yeravda fast → Poona Pact (1932) → Harijan Programme → Social reform enters mass politics.

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🧠 Prelims Strategy Insight

For untouchability and Gandhi → Poona Pact is the trigger

UPSC often asks “subsequent to which event”

Identify the moment when:

Moral concern → Organised programme