101st anniversary of Gandhi’s \'loincloth\' to be observed in Bapatla

VIJAYAWADA: The Forum For Better Bapatla said that it would celebrate on Wednesday, the 101st anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi opting to wear the loincloth and shawl as his dress. Forum secretary P.C. Sai Babu said on Tuesday the event would be celebrated to bring awareness about Gandhi’s decision among the current generation.

It was the dress that Mahatma Gandhi chose to wear for the rest of his life, till his assassination.

Recalling the event, Sai Babu said that on September 22, 1921, Gandhiji had stayed at 251A West Masi Street, Madurai, and was to travel towards Ramanathapuram.

He had asked to be picked up in the morning. When Congress functionaries arrived at the house, which has been converted to a khadi showroom, they found Gandhiji in the new attire of loincloth and shawl.

Gandhi had decided at that time that he had to work with the poor, and would not be able to identify himself with them if he was dressed differently.

Sai Babu said that the place where he made his first public appearance in a loincloth is now known as ‘Gandhi Pottal’.

He said that the adoption of a dhoti and a shawl in the place of elaborate attire that Gandhiji earlier wore “was a symbolic external manifestation of an internal revolution.” He said the dress of liberty turned into the Mahatma’s identity.

Sai Babu said that Bapatla district SP Vakul Jindal and others will participate in the 101 anniversary of Gandhi’s Loincloth programme at Bapatla.