why do you think gandhi considered the champaran episode to be a turning point in his life

Mahatma Gandhi considered the Champaran episode a turning point in his life because it marked his first active involvement in the Indian freedom movement through the application of his principle of Satyagraha, or non-violent protest. In Champaran, Bihar, Gandhi successfully helped indigo sharecroppers who were being exploited by British landlords under the oppressive tinkathia system, where peasants were forced to grow indigo on part of their land and were heavily exploited economically. This episode was significant because Gandhi not only brought justice to the peasants but also empowered them with awareness of their rights and self-confidence. It demonstrated to Gandhi and the people the effectiveness of civil disobedience and non-violent resistance in challenging British colonial rule. Moreover, the success at Champaran boosted Gandhi's reputation as a leader of the masses and gave him the confidence to lead future struggles for India's independence. The episode also contributed to creating a new political culture based on morality, openness, and people's participation rather than elite dominance. This experience was foundational in shaping Gandhi’s role as a pivotal leader of India’s freedom struggle and set the tone for his further activism.