Elanthoor (Kerala): Mahatma Gandhi paid his first visit to Kerala in 1920, about hundred years ago to garner support for his causes. From the Khalifat Movement to protesting again untouchability, Bapu visited God's own country at least five times.
It is believed that he found Kerala's intellectuals as a hallmark for a free, fair and unbiased society and encouraged people to adopt non-violent ways. He also supported Swadeshi Movement and urged people to use only Indian made products.
Till date, people of Elanthoor, formerly part of Travancore, reminisced the golden moments of Gandhi when he visited the place to promote Khadi industries. Elanthoor in Pathanamthitta district of Kerala is known for its Khadi industry.
Mahatma Gandhi visited Elanthoor on January 20, 1920, on invitation from Kumar G. A famed leader of the Indian Renaissance, Elanthur was a writer, an orator and an organiser of Vaikkom Satyagraha.
The cause of working towards the nation's freedom brought Bapu to Malabar. Gandhiji visited Malabar to support the Khilafat agitation against Britisher’s Rowlatt Act. He also visited Kozhikode, held talks with the leaders of the area and also addressed a gathering of 500 Congress workers. He pitched his idea that Hindus and Muslims must unite against the colonial rule to free the nation from the clutches of the Britishers.
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Meenakshiamma, a native of Udayan Kavu in Elanthoor, shared her vivid memories of meeting 'The Father of the Nation' for the first time. The 96-year-old said, "I remember when Bapu visited Elanthoor, a huge rally was organised. We shouted slogans and sang songs in the rally. The memory is still fresh in my brain."
In 1941, Khadar Das TP Gopalapilla, a follower of Mahatma Gandhi, established Mahatma Khadi Ashram in Elanthoor's Thunduparambil Purayidam to honour the latter's efforts to promote Khadi industry. The earlier built Charkha Sangham is known as the District office today. Elanthoor Panchayat also owns a Gandhi Museum in present times.
