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UPSC Prelims 2025 GS Paper 1, question 74

Topic: Modern history and freedom struggle

Q74

Subsequent to which one of the following events, Gandhiji, 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?

  1. (a) The Poona PactCorrect answer
  2. (b) The Gandhi-Irwin Agreement (Delhi Pact)
  3. (c) Arrest of Congress leadership at the time of the Quit India Movement
  4. (d) Promulgation of the Government of India Act, 1935

Solution.

Answer: (a) The Poona Pact

  1. Following his fast unto death against the Communal Award and the signing of the Poona Pact in September 1932, Mahatma Gandhi resolved to dedicate himself wholeheartedly to the abolition of untouchability and the upliftment of 'Harijans'.
  2. Immediately after the Poona Pact, he founded the All India Anti-Untouchability League (later Harijan Sevak Sangh) in September 1932, started the weekly journal Harijan in February 1933, and embarked on his nationwide Harijan Tour (1933-1934).