The Non-Cooperation Movement, launched by Mahatma Gandhi in 1920, was a significant step in India’s struggle for independence from British rule. Several factors led to its inception. The primary cause was widespread discontent with British colonial policies, particularly the oppressive Rowlatt Act of 1919, which allowed detention without trial, and the brutal Jallianwala Bagh massacre, where British troops killed hundreds of unarmed Indian civilians. Additionally, the economic hardships faced by Indians due to the exploitation of resources and the imposition of heavy taxes by the British further fueled the movement. The Khilafat issue, which sought to protect the Ottoman Caliphate, also played a crucial role in mobilizing Indian Muslims to join the cause, thus uniting Hindus and Muslims in a common struggle against colonial rule. Gandhi’s call for non-cooperation included boycotting British goods, institutions, and honors, advocating for self-reliance and the revival of indigenous industries.

The significance of January 9th in Indian history stems from its designation as Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (Non-Resident Indian Day). This date marks the return of Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa to India in 1915, a pivotal event that heralded a new phase in India’s freedom struggle. Gandhi’s return energized the Indian independence movement, as he brought with him the principles of Satyagraha (non-violent resistance) that he had successfully employed in South Africa. This day is celebrated to recognize the contributions of the Indian diaspora to the development of India and to acknowledge the role of expatriates in the country’s history and progress.